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The comments below come from Kathleen's sister, Lori Killian Thornton, in response to an inquiry made by Kathy Jansen Martin:
Kathy, Kathleen is my sister. Sadly, she passed away 22 years ago from cancer. She would have enjoyed the reunion, I'm sure! She was happily married, with 5 children when she passed. They are all married now, giving her 15 grandchildren. Her husband is still with us. He has never remarried--his heart still remains with her. Thanks for the inquiry. I hope she's remembered fondly at the reunion :)
Lori
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Glenda Rust (McConnell)
So sorry to hear this especially so many years after the fact.............had no idea. At least she'll be there in Spirit.......
Johnnie Kertcher (Reinhart)
I was afraid of hearing this news! Kathleen was very special to me. 15 grand children should know they had a very wonderful grandmother. She had a flare for being! She was the head of the horse mascot. She needed a substitute for the rear and I was the privileged replacement. I forgot the routine and she allowed me to just hang on and follow her lead. She was a natural lead. I wasn't a follower but I did feel like an escort. She was a personality to beat the band. We knew how to pick perfect presents for each other. We were different and I had to accept that Joe liked her and not me. He would write long notes to me all about her. Joe and I both liked Kathleen. She was liked by everyone. She was funny, glamorous, dramatic. She met Mark and said she approved. Joe met Mark too and approved. I guess they knew what was going to work for me. 5 children knew her as a mother. Kathleen, my darlink, you did well. She and I attended a foreign exchange event at Selby's house and talked with our foreign accents. People thought we were THE foreign students. Kathleen worked up a float for a parade and I was top rider. I was displayed as a Japanese person which of course I pulled off but I still don't understand her casting talents. But, once she was your friend, she could think up something for your talents. What an incredible, crazy, fun person. My favorite gift to her was a subscription to Seventeen Magazine. We just can't stay 17 forever. Love forever, your friend, "John"