Katherine M. Bartruff was born August 2, 1914, near Oxford to Joseph Melvin and Anna E. Haffey Hays. She attended Hardscrabble rural school through the eighth grade and graduated from Oxford High School in 1931. She attended Hastings Beauty Academy and began her career as a cosmetologist in Eustis.

On February 23, 1938, she was united in marriage to Dale Bartruff of Eustice, where he was engaged in farming. They later moved to a farm south of Cozad. They later purchased a home in Cozad upon their retirement.

Katherine was a member of the Genealogical Association and spent many hours and traveled many miles for her research of the "Hays" family history. Although unfinished, she left very interesting records for the family to treasure. When her health began to fail, she entered Southview Manor Care Center. Katherine was a member of Christ The King Catholic Church and the Altar Society, a past member of the Hospital Auxiliary and a Bridge Club. She was also a volunteer for any service needed.

Katherine died November 21, 1997, at Cozad at 83 years of age.

She was preceded in death by her parents and an infant sister. She is survived by her husband, Dale; five sisters, Bernice Dawson of Arapahoe, Mildred Dawson of Arapahoe, Lois Dawson of Kearney, Lucille Walker of Kearney, and Teressa Moor of Exeter; three brothers, James Hays of Kearney, Joseph Hays of Edison and William Hays of Edison; nieces, nephews, cousins, a host of friends and members of the Bartruff families.

Mass of the Christian Burial was held on Monday, November 24, 1997, at Christ The King Catholic Church in Cozad with the Rev. Don O'Brien as Celebrant. A memorial has been established in her memory. Berryman Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.