Kathryn Ann Hook
Kathryn Ann Speyer Hook, age 82 of Richwood, died late Monday evening April 7, 2008 at the Arbors in Delaware. She was born in Richwood on March 13, 1926, the daughter of Paul and Madonna (Maddex) Speyer. She went to Richwood-Claibourne Schools (As they were known before consolidation). She graduated in 1944, shortly before her marriage to William Woodrow Hook. He was born Feb 3, 1922 and passed away in 1992.
Bill and Kathryn Ann are survived by three sons, David Paul (Theresa), Larry William and John Kevin, all of Richwood; three grandchildren, Lisa (Matt) Brenner; Bradley Hook; John Hook; three great-grandchildren, Jillian, Lauren and Addison; a brother P. J. (Ellen) Speyer, Richwood; a sister Sarah (Al) Habinak, Houston; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Michael Lee.
She was raised primarily on the farm, since her father was a farmer, but after her marriage in Norfolk, Virginia (where her husband Bill was stationed while serving in the Navy) she entered the business world. She worked for many years with the State Health Dept. in Columbus, and then worked for the accounting office at the Ohio Reformatory for Women in Marysville. She spent several years as secretary of the former Marblcast Company in Richwood. The last 21 years of her ‘formal’ working life were spent with her husband and her boys, as owners and managers of the Richwood Furniture store. She also played organ for Stofcheck Funeral Home in Richwood and later in LaRue.
During the time she was a ‘working woman’, she was also a wife, mother and public figure in her own right, giving of her time, energy, musical talent and cooking ability to myriad causes, including The Grange, Treasurer for Union County Democrats, President of Ladies’ Guild of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in LaRue, Organist for St. Joseph’s Church for 45 years, Music Club of Richwood, Girl Scout and Troop Leader, Carpe Diem Literary Club, and helped with Richwood Park Days where she ran the cake auction for many years.
Although she had given generously of her time to her community, she also knew how to have a good time. She loved to travel and go on cruises. She had been known to play a mean game of pinochle, and was equally adept at euchre. She belonged to the former ‘Bridgettes’ bridge club, but since the demise of the club, she played with a group of friends regularly at her home. She was a most gracious hostess. The ladies took turns bringing the munchies, but Katie always had something in reserve in case someone forgot. A friend had said that she was equally as gracious when losing as when winning.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Saturday, April 12, 2008 at 10:30 AM in Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Marysville with Rev. David A. Poliafico officiating. Burial will follow in Price Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 PM on Friday at the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home, Richwood where a Rosary Service will be held at 7:45.
Memorial Gifts may be made to REAP at 235 Grove St. Richwood, Ohio 43344 or Richwood Park, 286 S. Franklin St., Richwood, OH 43344. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballingerfuneralhome.com
Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home