Kathryn Marie Whitacre

Kathryn Marie (Kaye) Whitacre passed away quietly on May 6 at Everheart Hospice Care Center in Greenville, Ohio. She had been battling dementia for seven years.  Her care was greatly supported and monitored by her daughter Linda.   Linda and son Kelly were with her at the time of her passing. Earlier in the day, she had been surrounded by numerous family members.

Kaye was born February 2, 1933, to Earl A. West and Esther F. (Lindley) West, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by 2 sisters, Virginia Ruth West, and Doris (Glen) Beisner, as well as a grandson, Andrew Nathan Whitacre.  

She was a lifelong member of the Wesley United Methodist Church.

Kaye attended Union City High School where she participated in band, playing the saxophone, and being actively involved in the social milieu.

On February 14 (Valentine’s Day) 1951 she married Lowell F. Whitacre.  They had four children, and now have 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. They made their home in Union City their entire married lives and celebrated 73 years of marriage earlier in 2024.

Early in married life, Kaye was a homemaker who was active in PTO and frequently as a room mother for various of her children at Westside Elementary School and later Northside Elementary School. She had two very special cats, first Snookie (and her various litters of kittens), and later Muffin, who was a hunter of birds and small animals, and a “vanquisher” of stray dogs.  His name did not fit him in the least and he was the scourge of the neighborhood. The family also had a loyal and loving cocker spaniel for 18 years, and who produced many litters of puppies to the delight of the Whitacre children. Later Kaye and Lowell had numerous Boston Terriers and one Jack Russel l Terrier.

After a time Kaye became a cafeteria worker for Union City Community Schools.  She continued in that capacity for several years. During those years she loved spending time at the family cottage on Lake Webster. She finished her working years at Whitacre Floor Covering, the family-owned business in Union City. At the time of her passing, she had been retired for many years and before suffering from dementia she enjoyed reading novels, doing intricate puzzles, traveling in the family motor home, fishing, and two special trips to Martinique and the Bahamas.  She was extremely proud that all her children achieved post-secondary education and went on to productive lives of their own.

Kaye leaves to cherish her memory, her husband Lowell, sons Kirby (Laurie) of South Bend, Kevin (Kristin) of Zionsville, Kelly (Kim) of Fort Wayne, daughter Linda (Curt) of Arcanum, Ohio, and the aforementioned grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Additionally, Kaye leaves two brothers, Bob (Joannie Trujillo) of Welches, Oregon, and Donnie (Eira) of Apopka, Florida, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will receive visitors from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm on Saturday May 11, 2024, at Reichard Funeral Home 400 W. Deerfield Road Union City, IN.

Immediately following the time of visitation, a Funeral Service to celebrate Kathryns’ life will begin at 2:00 pm.  Burial will take place at Lisbon Cemetery in Union City, IN.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Whitacre Family Charitable Fund (In honor of Lowell and Kathryn Whitacre) of the Community Foundation of Randolph County, 120 West Washington Street, Winchester, Indiana 47394. Donations may also be made to the favorite charity of the donor.  The family wishes to give heartfelt thank-yous to the staff at Everheart Hospice for the kind and compassionate care given Kathryn. We are truly grateful.

Memories may be shared online at www.reichardfh.com.