Last updated August 2, 2021
Friends, it is with much sorrow to report we lost our friend and Executive Director, Cathy White, on March 26, 2015. Cathy lived a full, rich and wonderful life and will be missed much. The family designated memorials could be sent to St. Mary’s Church (3035 S. Central City Road, Joplin, MO 64804) and the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (100 S Broadway, PO Box 1448, Pittsburg, KS 66762).
Douglas Stuckey, President, CFSEK Board of Trustees
Cathy’s obituary, as published in the Morning Sun on March 28, is as follows:
Catherine White, age 64 native of Joplin, died Thursday in the early morning hours after a three-week sudden diagnosis of a brain tumor. In her final hours, Cathy was lovingly and comfortably surrounded by her family in her home. Her friends and business associates have offered a tremendous amount of support in these past three weeks.
Cathy, in her most recent position, was the Executive Director to the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas where she served the region by encouragement of charitable giving to aid to the common good and promote a better quality of life. Her professional portfolio included positions within management, supervision and sales at United Missouri Bank, KSNF TV, KRPS Public Radio, as well as serving as a pharmaceutical rep. Cathy taught and was a principal at Webb City R-VII; later having taught classes at Pitt State University. She had obtained a BS in Education in 1973 from MSSC and a BA in Administration/Supervision in 1977.
Cathy is remembered as a philanthropist who kept high standards for her contributions in various charities. She was the President of Daybreak Rotary, Joplin and Assistant Governor of the Rotary Club Pittsburg Sunrise. She also has served on the board of directors for the Lafayette House and Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center.
Cathy is survived and will be greatly missed by her husband, Denny White and mother Edithe Crowell, both of Joplin, twin sisters of the Dallas area, Cheryl Setser and Carol Kick, sister-in-law Gay Moss and husband Stephen, three daughters Angela White of Austin, TX and Audra White-van Mierlo of The Netherlands, Madighen White of Oklahoma City inclusive grandchildren Christian (14), Vivian (4) and Olivia (3). She was preceded in death by her father Lawrence A. Crowell. Cathy also leaves behind her beloved French poodle, Ben and two cats Tux and Grayce, who currently keep her bedside warm.
A memorial service will be held at St Mary’s Church in Joplin on Monday, March 30th at 2 p.m. Her family welcomes your attendance to this service. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Saint Mary’s Church or Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas.
Cathy’s obituary can be found at Legacy.com.