Katherine Habel

HABEL, Katherine Leona, 92, formerly of Blacksburg, died July 10, 2010, in Farmville, Va. Born in Jetersville, she was the daughter of the late Dr. James Martin Habel and Leona Cohron Habel. Her brothers, Dr. James Martin Habel Jr., Garland Cohron Habel; and a sister, Josephine Habel Bradshaw, also preceded her in death. She is survived by a sister, Mildred Habel Inge; and brother, Horsley Wilson Taylor; and several nieces and nephews, Dr. Katherine Josephine Inge, Jane Habel Spittle, Milly Inge Casey and Dr. James Leroy Bradshaw. Katherine received her Bachelor of Science degree from Longwood College (University). She continued her education at Virginia Tech where she received her Master's in Education. Ms. Habel was a home economist and teacher for many years and later worked for the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service at Virginia Tech. She traveled throughout the Commonwealth conducting workshops for women through the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service until her retirement. She wrote numerous books, articles and circulars concerning interior design over the course of her 30-year career. Some of her publications included "Factors Contributing to the Selection, Purchases and Use of Wood Furniture" and "The Use of Color in the Treatment of the Mentally Ill." She was a longtime member of the Burkeville Baptist Church. Katherine loved her dogs, working in her yard and enjoying her flowers. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to Burkeville Baptist Church, 222 Agnew Street, Burkeville, Va. 23922, or Southside SPCA, P.O. Box 66, Meherrin, Va. 23954, in her memory.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.