of Little Rock, AR
February 23, 1950 - September 29, 2025
Kathleen Mary Mugan, 75, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away peacefully on September 29, 2025, from complications of breast cancer.
Kathy, as she was known to the world, was born on February 23, 1950 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. She was a compassionate and caring wife, sister, friend and colleague. She is survived by her husband, Douglas Murray of Little Rock, sisters Elizabeth Stuefen, Joan Brigham, Mary Wieser, Eileen Mugan and Janet Schultz and brothers William, Thomas, James and Patrick. She was predeceased by her mother Marie Mugan, father John Mugan, and brother Leo Mugan.
As the fourth of 11 children growing up in a Wisconsin dairy farm family, she learned the virtues of hard work and education. She graduated third in her class from Plymouth High School in 1968 and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point. Having worked her way through college with her babysitter savings, several jobs and a National Merit Scholarship, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1972.
For the next 15 years, she worked as a Medical Technologist (Hematology Reviewer) at St. Mary's Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin. After her first "retirement," she moved to Little Rock, Arkansas. On August 19, 1988, she married "Doug," her husband for the next 37 years.
In the following two years, she held two positions, first in the laboratory at the Arkansas Department of Health and then as the Education Coordinator for the clinical laboratory at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. This, in turn, led to a teaching position in the Medical Laboratory Sciences Program at UAMS. In April of 1991, she joined the faculty. Over the next 17 years, she taught Hematology and Blood Bank until her retirement from this second career in 2008. Her tenure included three years as the Acting Director of the Program. She was much loved by her colleagues and by her students, who consistently gave her perfect evaluation ratings. When she retired, her students started an endowed scholarship in her name.
A great listener, she always encouraged people to tell their stories. Kind, caring and compassionate, she was someone people turned to, listening quietly while they told of their own suffering and grief. In this way, she helped them by taking some of their burden onto her own shoulders.
Kathy was a passionate world traveler, having visited 79 foreign countries. Her last major trip was to Antarctica in January of this year. She loved seeing the penguins, seals, whales, orcas, towering glaciers, blue icebergs, and stark landscape. Other favorite travel memories included the elephants and lions in Africa, the charm of her ancestral Ireland, and speeding across a Galapagos Islands bay in a zodiac with a pod of 100 dolphins all around her. In Europe, she was particularly fond of the historic architecture, which resulted in at least a dozen new "favorite cities."
At her request, there will be no formal funeral or memorial service. As friendly, outgoing and charming as she was, she did not like to call attention to herself. Her ashes will be interred at the St. Michael's Church cemetery in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, so she will be close to her family.
This Earth of ours is much the poorer for Kathy's passing, but we are all the richer for having been blessed with her life among us.
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11 Condolence(s)
Diana Schneider
Saturday, October 11, 2025
So sorry for your loss! Sounds like Kathy was an amazing person who lived a great life and did so much for others.
My sincere sympathy to the entire Mugan family.
Diana Rentmeester Schneider
Love and peace❤️❤️❤️
Roger Boos
Thursday, October 9, 2025
I had the privilege of knowing Kathy whenever she visited her sister Betty here in Florida. She was such a kind and loving individual. We always discussed books we had recently read and sometimes exchanged them. I'm lifting up a glass of Chardonnay to you, Kathy! It was my honor to know you in this life.
Melanie Wallace
Thursday, October 9, 2025
This is a lovely tribute written for Kathy. I can imagine her enthusiasm traveling the world. I met Kathy when I entered the Medical Technology program at UAMS in the late 80’s. She was an amazing educator, not only as knowledgable as a student could hope, but also personable as well. She knew every student in our class by name, and cared for the concerns of us all. She was one of the most positive people I have ever met, and I’ve never forgotten her.
Leslie Himstedt
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
I worked with Kathy at ADH and encountered her again as a student in the Med Tech program at UAMS. She was a wonderful mentor to me in the laboratory. I have many fond memories of Kathy; times spent in and outside of work. I am so sorry to hear she has passed. Sending prayers of peace to Doug and her family and friends.
Margaret Bartelt
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Kathy was many things:
-A thoughtful colleague
-An outstanding teacher/mentor
-An exceptional leader
-An adventurous soul
She will be sorely missed!
Lee Clark
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
I was fortunate to meet Kathy through her husband Doug, with whom I worked at the Arkansas Department of Health. She became a treasured friend. Her kindness also extended to my Mother who she adopted as her own in Arkansas. I will miss her so and forever remember her smile and laughter.
Jim and Helen(Rosemary's suster)Medinger
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
So sorry to hear of Kathy's passing. I remember her as always being a compassionate person. She is free of pain now and in God's hands. Prayers to all. She will be dearly missed.
Jim and Helen
Joan Rickmeier
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
So very sorry to hear of Kathy’s death. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Rest in peace Kathy in God’s loving arms.
june Barbara kuntze
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
I’m rosemary's sister June. So sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing. What a touching and lovely obituary. She sounds like a wonderful lady.
Nathan Johnson
Saturday, October 4, 2025
The entire Dept of Laboratory Sciences at UAMS is so sad to hear this news. Kathy impacted many students in a positive way. Her love of teaching the new generation of lab professionals was amazing. We hope for comfort for all the family, Kathy will be missed.
Dr. Nathan Johnson
Carla Crews
Saturday, October 4, 2025
I’m so very saddened to know we’ve lost such a sweet lady in Ms. Kathy. I’ll forever remember how sweet her smile was and how she always had a kind word. Prayers for peace for those that knew and loved such a sweet person.