Search by Name

Search by Name

Kathryn Lucille Blanton Bettis McDermott

Kathryn McDermott Obituary

KATHRYN LUCILLE BLANTON BETTIS MCDERMOTT, age 56, passed away tragically as a passenger involved in a traffic accident late Friday evening, the 12th of June 2009, in Houston, Texas. Born in Houston, Texas Kathryn attended the Kinkaid School and graduated from Lamar High School and received a B.A. in Studio Arts from the University of Texas at Austin. Kathy spent many summers at Camp Waldemar, where she was once named "Ideal Girl." During her junior year at the University of Texas she participated in the "Model of the Year" contest and won a Hollywood contract. Kathy is preceded in death by her parents, Vera Lu Sumner Blanton McCormick and Charles Blanton. She is survived by her husband John Martin McDermott and their daughter, Karli; her brothers, Chuck and Danny Blanton; sister, Gail Blanton Cusack and her husband Greg; daughter Kristan Taylor Bettis Johnson, her husband Rob and their son Lane; sons Travis Bettis, and Cameron Bettis, his wife Amy and their son Hudson, and her step-brother Van McCormick and his wife Tina. Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from eleven o'clock this morning until two o'clock this afternoon, Tuesday, the 16th of June, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. The funeral service will then commence at two o'clock this afternoon in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, where Rev. Paul Miller of St. Luke's United Methodist Church will serve as officiant. The family will gather for a private interment service at Eastview Cemetery in Vernon, Texas, at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle from Jun. 15 to Jun. 16, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Kathryn McDermott

Not sure what to say?





Larry Chaney

June 9, 2023

Kathie, It's still hard to believe that you're not physically on earth anymore, but you're in our hearts forever. Truly a sweet and special woman. Larry Chaney

Larry Chaney

June 9, 2022

Dear Kathryn, It's still hard to believe that it's been 13 years. You were such a joy and had the most beautiful smile. Memories of you are always in my heart.

Paul Bell

June 9, 2021

Same Home Room for four years starting at Rogers and final one at Lamar before Massachusetts boarding school attendance.

She and Marian Moore (?) cracked me up when walking all the way from St. Luke’s Church to St. John the Divine when leaving. How they did it remains hysterical.

Larry Chaney

June 9, 2021

It's still hard to believe Kathie. When John walked me up to view you, you looked just like sleeping beauty in a deep slumber. A beautiful woman inside and out and such a sweetheart. Prayers of comfort to the entire extended family members. Larry

Larry Chaney

June 9, 2020

Still miss your incredible humor, wit, beauty, and charm Kathie. My prayers of comfort continue to John and the extended McDermott family along with Kathie's extended family. Love, Larry

Gail Worsham Johnson Pitt

July 10, 2009

I am so so sad to hear this news. Know that i will keep all of you in my prayers. Kathy and I were friends from years ago, and attended Waldemar together. She was a lovely person. Many blessings to each of you as you are going through these days.

Emily and Jimmy King

July 4, 2009

I was a life long friend of Kathy` Mother. She adored her children and grandchildren. Our deepest condolences to each member of Kathy`s family.
May God bless each of you.
Sincerly,
Emily and Jimmy

Laurie Condrasky

July 1, 2009

I met Kathy when we were going through UT art school together. She was a great friend to me and have thought about her often through the years. I am so sorry to hear of her passing and send my deepest sympathy to her family.
Regards,
Laurie MacMillan

Scott Denham

June 27, 2009

Though it has been almost 40 years since I've spoken to her, I remember Kathy and what a joyous person she was clearly. My condolences to her family and friends at this tragic loss.

Carol Akers Klug

June 26, 2009

Dear Kristan, Rob and Families,

Kathy shined with beauty, kindness, and zest for life. Through her, we (at TH Rogers Jr. High) could gain a glimmer of her stardom. I am saddened by Kathy's untimely death. She will live on in our hearts.

John Hampton

June 26, 2009

You and I chasing rainbows, standing so low in the sun. You and I Sunday driving, but not arriving,,, we're on our way back home. We're going home. And I said you and I would simply fly away, as the stars stop revolving, spinning slowly out of sight. God ...40 years
and Kathie, I never stopped for a second feeling like we did. I love you..... tamale!

Kim Seither

June 23, 2009

To Chuck, Danny and Gail and to the rest of Kathy's family...I am saddened to hear about Kathy's passing on. It brought about memories of our childhood and all the fun we had in the neighborhood. One fond memory I have of Kathy concerned a movie premiere that I "tagged" along with her. Gail wasn't old enough yet, and me being a little older, was asked to be a "date" for Kathy's friend who had a younger brother around my age. That one incident made me feel very important! She was always so nice to me, as well as, the rest of you guys too! Kathy was not only physically gorgeous but she had an equally beautiful and caring personality.

God bless you all,
Kim Ames Seither

Paul Bell

June 22, 2009

Kathy's passing bought memories of Rogers/Lee/Lamar days. Though living in Las Vegas since 1987 we travel to Houston throughout the year. My wife, Wende, and I travel to Houston in early August for an engagement party honoring our oldest son, Paul, IV, and his fiance, Hunter Lingle. They will marry in Charleston, SC on October 17. One of the hosts is Nan Luckett's husband, Will Williams, as she was Paul's godmother.

Regards,
Paul Bell

Jinx Chiles

June 20, 2009

To each of Kathy's loving family members.... I am sorry I missed her call that Friday, but I can feel her presence around me. She has such a beautiful spirit, and it will always be here. Each of you are in my prayers. Jinx Chiles

Jim Cooper

June 20, 2009

John,

My heart goes to you and your family.

Bart Richardson

June 20, 2009

I am so sad for all Kathy's children and her husband. She was one of a kind and will sorely be missed. I will keep her in my prayers.

David Hadley

June 20, 2009

Dear Chuck,

Such a tragedy should never happen. I am deeply saddened by this tremendous loss. If there is ever any friendly support I can possibly provide to help comfort you, please know that I am just a phone call and a quick plane ride away. -Your loyal friend, David

Will Neuhaus

June 18, 2009

Too Tall,

I love you, your in my thoughts and prayers...

June 18, 2009

Kathy and my family grew up and came of age together. The memories of all of us kids playing and enjoying each other will always be with us. Chuck our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love, Marty, Donna, and Martha Coskey

June 18, 2009

Dear Chuck,

I was so saddened to hear about Kathy. The Peckinpaugh family sends thoughts and prayers to you and all of Kathy's family members at this time .

Love, Patricia Peckinpaugh Griffith

Graham Neuhaus

June 18, 2009

Dear Family,
I share your sadness that Kathy was taken from life so suddenly. She was a wonderful person..one who I remember from childhood with big smiles and fond memories.
I also know that God hears my prayers, and I am praying that His love and the love of others will help you accept and forgive this tragedy.
Graham Neuhaus

Danny Rashid

June 18, 2009

Chuck,

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your sister. You and your family are in my prayers.

Rudy and Billie Duyka

June 17, 2009

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Che Kelly

June 17, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. All our prayers go out to Kathy's family.
Kathy and I were in junior high school together. Her smile and exuberant laugh will always be remembered.

June 17, 2009

My most sincere and deepest sympathies to the entire family. Kathy will always have a special place in my thoughts and in my heart....

Timothy Duckworth, Dallas, Texas

Lake Travis Sunset

Mel Kurth

June 17, 2009

Deepest sympathies to all involved, particularly those remaining Blanton's I knew from way back.....

Robin Bradley

June 16, 2009

Dear Chuck, Danny, Gail, Kathy's husband and her precious children,

My sisters and I grew up a block away from the Blanton family in Houston and we all played together as children. We loved Kathy and the entire Blanton family. I will always think of Kathy as being the 'Golden Girl' of our neighborhood. She was a ray of sunshine and was beautiful inside and out.

My sisters and I are deeply saddened by Kathy's death and are so sorry for your loss.

Robin Bradley (and Jennifer, Lynda, Tina & Melissa)

June 16, 2009

Kristan, Rob, Lane, and Family
Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
We love you!
Katie English and Stacy McVeigh

stephent turtur

June 16, 2009

I just heard of this sad news. I knew Kathy from our younger years and what a beautiful person she was to us all. My prayers and sympathy go out to the entire family I will miss the smile I remember her by.

Paul Bell

June 16, 2009

Though living in Las Vegas since 1987, Kathy's passing bought back great memories of being in the same Rogers and Lamar homeroom before going off to a Massachusetts boarding school. My best wishes to all of her family.

Emily Turner

June 16, 2009

Kristin, Cameron, and Travis:

I am so sorry to hear about your loss, and will keep your families in my prayers! My deepest condolences!

Liz Leonard Happel

June 16, 2009

Kristan,
Please know that my prayers and thoughts are with you. God bless you and your family. Losing a parent is so very hard.

Melanie Hauser

June 16, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
I'll always remember how vibrant Kathy was when we were kids at Rogers.
I'm sorry I can't be at the service.

Molly (McKellar) Espey

June 16, 2009

I am so sorry to hear about Kathy. I have so many great memories of her from junior and senior high school. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.

David Vainio

June 16, 2009

Dear Kristin, Rob, Lane, Cameron and Travis,

I am so sorry for your loss. May your hearts be filled with the fondest memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Our deepest condolences,

Dave and Vainio Family

Katie Maxson

June 16, 2009

Kristan, Rob, Cameron, Travis and Chuck:

My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. I am so so sorry for your loss.

Brent Williamson

June 16, 2009

To All of Kathy's Family,
I am saddened to hear about Kathy. She was a beautiful and very personable individual. I will always remember her bubbling laughter and her adorable smile. She cared and was sincere. God Bless Kathy and God Bless You....

Kayla (and Ms. Dawn) Robison

June 16, 2009

Dear Ms. Karli,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We love you bunches sweet girl.

June 16, 2009

Dear Kristan, Rob, Lane, Cameron, and Travis,

We are so sorry for your loss and we are praying for you during this difficult time.

Love,

Cori, Neil, and Hayden West

Larry Gaines

June 16, 2009

I am so very sorry for your loss. Kathy and all her family will be in my prayers.

Terry, Barbara, Justin, Tebra and Shanae Nix

June 16, 2009

To John, Karli and all of Kathy's family,
Our hearts are hurting as we remember Kathy. She was a proud Mother of all her children. She will be missed. We pray for God's love, strength and peace to be with you all - Trust in HIM.

Carroll Ruppert

June 16, 2009

Dear Blanton Family, Kathy was the most beautiful girl I ever knew. Kathy and I started pre school together at The Oaks. We renewed our friendship Lamar. She will be dearly missed by all how new and loved her. My thought and prayers are with you. Carroll Whiteford Ruppert

June 16, 2009

Dear Knistan, Rob, Lane and Family,
So sorry to hear about your loss. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Our deepest sympathy

Jim, Mary Pat and Cathy Salmonsen

Greg & Becky Goodman

June 16, 2009

Dear Chuck and family,
we are so sorry . Our prayers are with you.
Love,
Becky and Greg

Sharon Spicker

June 16, 2009

My prayers and deepest sympathy to Mrs. McDermott's family. God bless you all.

A Seattle Mariners fan

Amy Hill

June 15, 2009

Kathy was so very popular at Rogers Junior High School. One day she passed me a note and I thought it was the most wonderful thing that could happen - to get a note from her. All of us from school days are grieving with you. We loved her so very much.
Amy Bertelsen Hill

Cindi Wilson Proler

June 15, 2009

Chuck, i am so sorry for your terrible loss. Kathy and I had so much fun together at Kinkaid. She will be greatly missed.

Emily & Inger Biel

June 15, 2009

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.

The Aardsma Family

June 15, 2009

Dear Kristan,
Just wanted to let you know, you and your family are in our thoughts and Prayers.
Dave Sr. and Debbie

KeKe McCullough

June 15, 2009

To the family-
Be strong. The Lord is with all of you.
-KeKe McCullough

George Paul

June 15, 2009

To Kristan, Rob and Family;
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Your strong, caring and very loving family along with all your many friends will help you get through this most difficult time. Our sincere sympathy.
The Paul Family,
George, Vicki, Megan, Krista, Matt and Korynn

Sanem family

June 15, 2009

Dear Kristan, Rob and families,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. May you find some comfort in the prayers of so many.
With Deepest Sympathy,

Ryan & Sarah Feierabend

June 15, 2009

Kristan, Rob, Lane and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom Kristan. You all have been in our thoughts and prayers.
Love you guys!!
Ryan and Sarah

Emilie Hebert

June 15, 2009

My Thoughts and Prayers are with you all in your time of Grief. May your Memories Bring you Comfort. We ALL Loved Kathy.. Memories from Sixth Grade on fill My Heart . Im so Sad,
Love, Emilie Erwin Hebert

Bruce & Julie (Mark's parents) Lowe

June 15, 2009

Dear Rob, Kristan and Lane
We extend deepest condolences to your family at the loss of your loved one. We will continue to pray for the Lord to bless you and keep you in His care both now and the days ahead.

Teresa Rice

June 15, 2009

Dear Chuck, Gayle, Danny and Kathy's children:

My heart is with you all. Although the years have been difficult, Kathy was a special and beautiful person. I love you all and my thoughts are with you.

Teresa

Larry Chaney

June 15, 2009

To John and Family,
I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss as Kathryn was such a wonderful person to me and her smile always lit up the room. May The Lord shine His mercy down upon you at this time to comfort and remind you that you will meet again. Larry Chaney

June 15, 2009

Dearest Kristan, Rob, Lane and Family
You are in our thoughts during this difficult time if there is anything we can do please don't hesitate to ask.
Our deepest sympathy
Kevin, Dawn, Ben, & Kershaw

Joan English

June 15, 2009

Dearest Kristan,Rob,Lane& Family,
We are all so saddened by your mother's death and we want you to know that we are praying for all of you during this MOST difficult time and Love you very much!
Our deepest sympathy,
Aunt Joanie & Family

June 15, 2009

To Kathryn's children,our thoughts are with you all.
Darci & Hunter Haynes

Showing 1 - 60 of 60 results

Make a Donation
in Kathryn McDermott's name

Memorial Events
for Kathryn McDermott

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Kathryn's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Kathryn McDermott's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more