Maricopa Pantry Bid Farewell to Beloved Longtime ‘Family’ Member

Maricopa Pantry mourns the loss of dedicated volunteer Kat Boyd, who passed away on September 18, 2024. Known for her unwavering service, Boyd was a familiar face at the nonprofit, which supports food bank services in Maricopa and its surrounding communities. Recently, the pantry served nearly 1,915 families in one day, underscoring the critical role it plays in the area.

Boyd devoted over a decade to volunteering at the pantry, but her contributions to the community spanned even longer, according to pantry Vice President Alice Shoaf. “She just showed up one day and said, ‘Hey, can I do this?’” Shoaf recalled. From that moment, Boyd became an integral part of the Maricopa Pantry family.

Her impact extended well beyond her volunteer hours. As a dedicated delivery driver, Boyd personally ensured that food reached those in need, including the homeless and families lacking transportation. Shoaf noted that Boyd maintained a list of about a dozen families for whom she regularly delivered food. “She was a helper at heart,” Shoaf explained, highlighting Boyd’s genuine desire to make a difference.

Boyd was known for her punctuality, arriving early to set up and prepare alongside other volunteers. “She helped us get ready, then spent the morning delivering,” Shoaf said. After Boyd’s passing, another volunteer, referred to as Dennis, has taken over her delivery route. “He never would have come to us if it hadn’t been for her,” Shoaf added, emphasizing Boyd’s role in building community connections.

Despite the tragedy of her loss, details surrounding Boyd’s death remain unclear, with authorities still investigating after nearly six weeks. Maricopa Pantry plans to honor her memory with a memorial service at Mountain View Community Church on November 2 at 3 p.m.