Kathy Jo Wells

June 9th 1952 – July 24, 2026

Kathy Jo Wells, age 74, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026.

A devoted daughter, amazing sister, loving wife, incredible mother, and cherished grandmother, she lived her life centered around others, constantly leading with kindness, generosity, and quiet grace.

Born and raised in Shelbyville, Indiana, Kathy built a life grounded in family. It was in Shelbyville where she married Paul Freeman and raised two sons, and established herself as a skilled local barber for many years. On November 11, 2000, Kathy remarried to Wyman Wells and relocated to Coal City, Indiana. She continued her passion for cutting hair in nearby Spencer, frequently making weekend trips back home to stay close to the family she adored.

Kathy had a deep love for adventure, creativity, and simple joys. She felt most at peace near the ocean, taking in the waves and sitting on the beach. An avid member of the geocaching community, Kathy loved both making and hiding geocaches for others to discover. She was a strong woman going through treatments in Texas and beating cancer with the help of husband, sons, family and especially her sister Mary and her late husband Gill Haddix.

She was always capturing memories through photography, enjoying meals out with family, and shopping for thoughtful touches for those she loved. Later in life, she enjoyed time at home with her husband Wyman, walking the dog, tending to the chickens, feeding the neighbors cows, and even taking care of a stray cat that would visit her daily. She often sat with her mother spending a quality time and sharing stories from the past. Then venture out to visit her son Tim the grandkids or find some thrift stores and flea markets with her sister Mary and son Ben.

As we write these words and document only some of the memories that are many. Everyone that knew her holds a piece of her in their heart and feels the loss of such an amazing woman, more than words can ever express.

Kathy was preceded in death by her father, Boyd Bottorff; her sister, Sue Hill; and her brother, Bruce Bottorff.

She is survived by her husband, Wyman Wells; her loving mother, Wanda Bottorff; her sister, Mary Van natta; her brother Mark Bottorff; her sons, Ben Freeman and Tim Freeman; and her cherished grandchildren, Adalynn, Harlym, Violet, and Ellie Freeman.

A Celebration of Life honoring Kathy will be held on Sunday, August 2, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at: West Street United Methodist Church, 629 S. West St. Shelbyville, IN 46176.

Funeral Directors, Greg Parks, Sheila Parks and Stuart Parks are honored to serve Kathy’s family.

Online condolences may be shared at www.murphyparks.com.