The Walking Horse industry is heartbroken by the passing of World Grand Champion rider Kathy Zeis. Katherine Peebles Zeis was born on November 26, 1945 and departed this world on September 23, 2019. A Celebration of Life Service was held Friday, September 27, 2019, at First United Methodist Church. A Gathering of Friends followed at the Blue Ribbon Circle. Feldhaus Memorial Chapel assisted the family.

Kathy Zeis, 73, passed away suddenly after a brief illness. She was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. She attended the University of Georgia, where she earned her Bachelor’s of Arts in English Literature in 1967. Kathy was a trailblazer for women in business, working as a Junior Dress Buyer for Macy’s in Atlanta and as a Store Manager for Kroger. She married the love of her life, Stephen Lee Zeis, on June 14, 1985, and they welcomed their beloved son, Zachary into their world on July 7, 1987.

Kathy had a burning passion for all horses, but a special place in her heart was always held for the Tennessee Walking Horse. She won 2 World Grand Championships on her favorite horse, Etta James by TJB. Kathy served for many years on the board of FAST, the Foundation for the Advancement and Support of the Tennessee Walking Horse, as well as on the boards for the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeder’s and Exhibitor’s Association, Walking Horse Owner’s Association, and the Georgia Walking Horse Association. Kathy worked tirelessly in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry, planning and executing many successful horse shows, parties, and fundraising events. She was the proud owner of Texas Joe Black, a 7 time World Champion. Kathy was loved by many and her smile always lit the Celebration Arena, each year at the end of August.

Kathy is preceded in death by her parents, Allene Elkins Peebles and Bob Shannon Peebles, and nephew, Darin Lee Dyer, Jr. Kathy is survived by her beloved husband, Stephen Lee Zeis and beloved son, Zachary Stephen Zeis, sisters Barbara Brasher Kaplan and Shannon Dyer, nephews Luke Ellsworth Owens, Rob (Suzy) and Adam (Meredith) Brasher, and niece Lila Fair Fitzpatrick (Connor). She was loved out of this life by her family, “adopted daughter” and friend Carrie Martin, best friend Patty Beck, and Zack’s girlfriend, Brandy Arena. Kathy and her family express their gratitude and love for all of the people in her life. She wanted you to think of her smiling and laughing as she rode a Tennessee Walking Horse out of this mortal coil.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to her beloved Walking Horses via FAST, Inc, at www.FASTwalkingshowhorse.org. The Scoop was always delighted to visit Kathy in the winners’ circle. Her beautiful smile and kind heart will be missed. Our condolences and prayers are sent to the Zeis Family.