Kathleen Ann (née McFarland) Whitmore came into the world in the usual way, kicking and screaming, on July 26, 1951. July 26th was also the birthday shared with her grandmother, Prudence Navarra. Bob and Rosemary (née Navarra) welcomed her as their fourth child.
Though Kathy was not born a leader, she chose to accept the role many times. As a student in the class of 1969, Kathy joined many clubs and did her best to make them successful. After graduating from Ball State University in 1973, she accepted the first Special Education teaching position offered at Greensburg Community High School where she remained for 34 years, and she loved most of it. One of her former students returned to her classroom to share just how good of a teacher and person that Kathy was and pointed out to students what they should try to accomplish while in school. Kathy never received a better testimonial.
Additionally, Kathy taught Adult Basic Education classes, English as a second language, GED prep classes, and created a summer school bakery for some of the more challenged students (in which the students earned cash, learned practical measuring skills, learned to interact with people, and to be on time.)
Kathy’s memberships included many local and professional organizations. These included: DCARC, Delta Kappa Gamma, Indiana State Teachers’ Association, Indiana Retired Teachers, Greensburg Teachers’ Association, Tiger Sharks Swim Team, Learning Disabilities Association, and DCMH Volunteers. She also held leadership roles within most organizations.
In her free time, Kathy was involved in many craft classes. She also enjoyed camping, golfing, and card games. She was always competitive. It should be mentioned that Kathy liked to collect things. She loved the hunt to find treasures.
Survivors include her husband, Richard “Thump” Whitmore; sons: Samuel (Akemi) Whitmore and Clayton (Kathy) Whitmore; granddaughter, Whitney Whitmore; sisters: Natallie (Alan) Armstrong, Prudence McFarland, Anita (Dave) Kendall, and Karen (Charlie) Hardesty; brothers: Donald (Carol) McFarland, Patrick (Sandy deceased, but fondly remembered) McFarland, Phillip McFarland, and Tim McFarland.
Kathy was preceded in death by her parents and her niece and nephew.
Family and friends will gather to pray the rosary on Friday, January 19, 2024, at 3:30 pm at St. Mary Catholic Church. A memorial gathering will be held following the rosary from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm also at the church. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 10:00 am at St. Mary Catholic Church with Father John Meyer officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Mary’s Maintenance Fund. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.popfuneralhome.com.
Please dress warm and casual, Thump no longer fits in a sports coat.