Katie R. Beckner

Beckner – Katie R., 45, Johnstown, lost her difficult but courageous battle with cancer on September 26, 2026. She was born on April 8, 1981 at Lee Hospital, the daughter of Dennis and Janet Sawyer. She was preceded in death by grandparents, Paul and Edith Ream, Chester and Thelma Sawyer, Betty Easterbrook, Uncles Joe “Chip” Ream, Joe Weber, and Sam Brewer.

Katie is survived by her parents; daughters, Kiera and Maeve Beckner; brother, Tom (Beth) Sawyer; sister, Jodi (Jesse) Stratton; uncles and aunts, Shirley Ream, Loy and Sheila Sawyer, Peggy Weber, Carolyn Brewer, Joyce and Irvin Weber, and Ed and Debbie Carmack. Special in-laws, Rex and Rhonda Beckner and their extended family. Also, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as 2 fur babies, Athena and Socks. She was grateful for all the support shown her during this time from so many people and organizations as well as special friends Ellen Tackett, Sarah Pagano, Stacy Novak, and Jenny Malisko.

Katie graduated from Forest Hills HS in 1999. Due to her years of showing livestock in 4-H at the County Fair, she pursued a degree from Penn State Animal Sciences and graduated in 2004. Later, she found a passion for selling real estate and most recently worked as a realtor with several local agencies. As a certified firearms instructor, she was instrumental in beginning a chapter for The Well Armed Woman in the Johnstown area. She also loved baking and was a gifted seamstress. Her daughters were the center of her life and she was very proud of all their accomplishments and the young women they are becoming. A member of the Elton Zion Church, Katie loved and trusted the Lord throughout this ordeal.

Friends will be received from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland, with the Rev. Daryl R. Penrod officiating. Private inurnment will be at Fishertown Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Elton Zion Methodist Church or the Laurel Highlands Chapter of Bible2School in memory of Katie. Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com. Cremation by Laurel Highlands Crematory at Harris Funeral Home.