Katy M. Arbuthnot

Katy M. Arbuthnot, 41, of St. Louis, passed away on August 19, 2024. Mrs. Arbuthnot, daughter of Kenneth and Christine Feldmann, nee Freitag, was born on April 11, 1983, in Washington. She received her education from St. Francis Borgia Regional High School, Fontbonne University, Southeast Missouri State University, and Lindenwoood University. On November 27, 2010, she was united in marriage to Robert Arbuthnot Jr. at St. Gertrude’s Church. She attended St. Pius V Catholic Church in St. Louis.

Katy’s job was to teach Math and Project Lead the Way STEM classes at Oakville Middle School in the Mehlville School District. 

But, her mission was to teach life skills, respect, love, acceptance, joy and to create space for all to thrive, regardless of our differences. She often shared stories of her students’ accomplishments and tenacity. She perceived her students as the light, illuminating a better world, compact with kindness and empathy. Katy saw unique potential in all students. She advocated passionately to highlight opportunities for growth and advancement, especially across underrepresented communities. Katy championed diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at Oakville Middle School, where she was employed for 18 years, and Betty Wheeler Classical Junior Academy, where she was a member of the PTO. There are countless ways that Katy gave forward, maximizing every hour of the day to make a difference in the lives of others. At Betty Wheeler, the school her daughters attend, Katy coordinated the Eye See Me book fair, ran the Buzz Book, led a Girl Scout troop, supported Girls on the Run, accepted responsibility to be the PTO treasurer, and so much more. She encouraged her girls to get involved and pursue their interests. They participate in everything from robotics and book club, to musicals and flag football. To say Katy had a servant's heart is an understatement. Katy's passion to serve others, combined with her unique ability to make sure that everyone feels included, her warm energy, and contagious smile were true gifts to us all. All who knew her are stronger because of Katy, and her impact will last for years to come.

In the words of Maya Angelou, "A great soul serves everyone all the time." This sentence perfectly describes Katy. Her impact is indeed woven into the fabric of countless lives she touched; her parents, siblings, family members, childhood besties, dear friends, students, co-workers, and even someone on the sidewalk or at the store. She will also be remembered for her brilliant smile and contagious laugh. 

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Eloy and Rosemary Freitag; paternal grandparents, Cornelius and Mary Elda Feldmann; mother and father-in-law, Gloristeen and Robert Arbuthnot Sr.; aunt, Connie Struckhoff; uncle, Robert Rothrock and two sisters-in-law, Victoria Brush and Cynthia Battle.

Among her survivors are her husband, Robert Arbuthnot Jr. of St. Louis; two children, Lillian and Raegan Arbuthnot; parents, Kenneth and Christine Feldmann of Washington; three siblings, Ryan Feldmann and significant other Michelle Leesmann of Washington, Rachel Paul and husband Kris of St. Louis, and Kristopher Feldmann and wife Jenna of Washington; Aunts and uncles, Cynthia Glastetter and husband Robert, Gregory Freitag and wife Cynthia, Robert Struckhoff, Carlene Rothrock, Kathleen Marquart and husband Rick, and Kevin Feldmann and wife Janice; brothers and sisters-in-law, Perris Parker and wife Meryl and Casandra Davis and husband Tim; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 25, 2024, from 1-6 p.m. at Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, August 26, 2024, at the St. Gertrude’s Church in Krakow. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the Lillian and Raegan Arbuthnot Education Fund.

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