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Kathryn Stewart Speidel Crookshanks June 12, 1919 - March 15, 2013 Kathryn ('Katie') Stewart Speidel Crookshanks passed away peacefully Friday evening, March 15, as her close family were present to pay their final respects. She lived a very healthy, active, and blessed 93+ years. A long-standing Visalia resident, Katie had spent much of her life here dating back to 1948. Katie was born in Dewey, Oklahoma on June 12, 1919 to Flora and Charles C. Stewart, Sr. Being the daughter of an oil field electrical engineer meant that she would move several times as a young girl, finally settling in Ventura, California where she spent her high school years. After high school she attended Stanford University where she earned her BA in English in 1940, then attended the University of Southern California (USC) to obtain her Masters degree in 1941. It was while Katie was attending school at Stanford where she met Robert M. Speidel, the son of newspaperman Merritt C. Speidel. They fell in love and married in the late summer of 1942 in Boston, Massachusetts. Her marriage to 'Bob' Speidel produced four children, three of which survive her and will be listed later. Upon Bob's death in early 1966, Katie began teaching English at the College of Sequoias (C.O.S.). A few years passed before she would remarry, and when she did she made a lucky man out of Dr. Ivan C. Crookshanks, the then President of C.O.S. Katie and Ivan spent an active and happy 35 years together before Ivan passed away in early 2004. They spent much of their time travelling the United States and visiting several foreign countries. They also spent a lot of time at their beach house in Santa Cruz, CA, where they entertained both family and friends, or simply 'camped out' on their own. Katie was known to all of her close friends and family as being incredibly active, and her persistent drive was an inspiration to all that new her until the day she passed. As many of her close friends would say, 'she was a 93 year-old woman in a 70 year-old body!' She was active with her friends in Bible study groups, and Bridge and Investment clubs. Katie chose to serve her church and community as well as her family in many ways. Her accomplishments included being a faithful and long-time member of Visalia St. Pauls Episcopal Church, the co-organizer and president of the Kaweah Delta Hospital Guild, and the past presidents of both Associated Charities of Visalia and Visalia Emergency Aid. These were activities that were very special and close to her heart, as she loved giving back to the community which had been so special and giving to her. Finally, Katie is survived by her three children: daughter Meredith Walters (and husband Mick) of Happy Valley, OR, son Robert M. Speidel Jr. (and wife Bonnie) of Visalia, and son John M. Speidel (and wife Mary) of Visalia. She was pre-deceased by her son, Charles M. Speidel in 2004. Her brother Charles C. Stewart Jr. and sister Dorothy Stewart also pre-deceased Katie. She is survived by eight grandchildren: Kimberly Walters Sanvitale, Tiffany Walters Bagge, Sarah Speidel, Zachary Speidel, Jillian Speidel Mollenhauer, Christine Speidel, Jason Speidel, and Theresa Seufzer. There are also six greatgrandchildren to her credit. There will be a short memorial service at St. Pauls Episcopal Church of Visalia on Friday, March 22, 10:00am. Flowers and/or donations may be sent to the St. Pauls Episcopal Church, Visalia in her honor.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Speidel Family.
Katie was one of the most beautiful women I have ever known...inside as well as outside.
Rosalie Gilcrest
Friend
March 14, 2019
KATIE WAS ONE OF MY MOTHER'S BEST FRIENDS. HELEN GIRDNER MOVED TO SARATOGA, YET SHE AND KATIE KEPT IN TOUCH, BY LETTER, PHONE AND VISITING AT HER BEACH HOUSE IN SANTA CRUZ, CA.
NANCY GIRDNER
September 12, 2013
Katie,
I am especially saddened about finding out about your passing. I had been traveling and received a letter from you to call. It was sent Feb. 21, 2013 and we were in Colorado for a wedding and returned home to Mexico April 1. For us to even get the letter in Mexico was a miracle. I then excitedly called and received the sad news from Mary. You were one of my favorite people. Marry did say you went to Santa Fe, my Moms favorite place. Say hi to Mom for me. Love, your niece Pam
Pamela Schlotter
April 3, 2013
Mama Katie I will miss you so much!! You were a second mother to me! RIP my love! See you when I get there! :)
Mary Speidel
March 29, 2013
Thank you guys for the nice responses below. Sharon, it's been a long long time. My mom sure loved staying in touch with you! Jeff, you're a caring friend, thanks! Rosalie, my mom loved you and sure reminisced about the old coaching days at COS where you all would have such fun times at the 'after-game' parties!
John Speidel
March 25, 2013
My condolences, Marilyn.
Jacquie Hild
March 21, 2013
Am so sorry to hear of the passing of Katie Crookshank. She was a special lady and very caring. I had occasions of visiting with her and she and Ivan bought my cookbook that I wrote. Very thougtful. I am truly going to miss her. My love and prayers go out to the family. Am very sorry that I will not be able to attend the memorial.
God be with you all.
Sharon Machado
March 20, 2013
What a loss to those of us who knew and loved Katie. Not only was she a physically beautiful woman, she was deeply beautiful as a person...always loving and kind. With sadness I will miss her memorial but want the family to know how much I cared for her. Being a long time member of the COS "family" I was privledged to attend numerous occasions where she was such a bright light. My heart is sad at her passing.
Rosalie Gilcrest
March 20, 2013
Condolences to you for your loss, John & family. May your Mom rest in peace.
Jeff Christie
March 20, 2013
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