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Kathryn Spalding Obituary
She was a teacher, writer, mentor, advocate and Christian. She treated her disease (ALS) as a gift, rather than a curse, and when staring down death, she never blinked (except to communicate with her eyes-"Not Yet").
Kathryn taught for more than 20 years, most recently at John Hardin High School. She was an advanced placement English teacher, sponsor of the National Honor Society and a mentor to students for whom English was a second language. Over the years, she wrote hundreds of recommendation letters to support students in pursuit of their dreams.
She was also a mother and grandmother "Marmee," as her grandchildren called her (referring to the matriarch in one of her favorite books, "Little Women"). She lives on through her family and students, having imparted the knowledge to succeed and encouraged them to always live by the oath of "carpe diem." That was how she lived and loved; she treated each day as a gift from the Lord, and she was loved. At the end, she was at peace, she was ready. She is in heaven.
Kathryn was born in 1945 to Clyde and Virginia Meredith in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She held degrees from both Georgetown College and Western Kentucky University and was an ardent University of Louisville sports fan.
She is survived by her husband, Terry Graham Spalding; her three children, Ashley Elizabeth Spalding (Jared Lessl), Evan Graham Spalding (Jessica) and Whitney Kathryn Spalding Spencer (Ian); her two grandchildren, Vivienne Kathryn Lessl and Felix Graham Lessl; her sister, Jeannette Smith (Dick); sister-in-law, Sandra McClure (John); and their families.
The memorial service is at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 9, at Elizabethtown Baptist Church, 1525 N. Miles St.
Visitation is from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 8, and continues at 9 a.m. Saturday at the church.
Donations can be made to a college scholarship fund created in Kathryn's honor: Spalding Scholars, P.O. Box 6391, Elizabethtown, KY 42702.
Nelson-Edelen-Bennett Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kathryn Spalding
terry Phelps
May 26, 2015
I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to correspond with Kathryn before her passing. Those moments we shared will forever remain with me as a cherished time. Kathryn was an amazing teacher and a good friend. My condolences and God's blessings for the family!
Stephanie Clark
May 11, 2015
Mrs. Spalding was a teacher of mine in high school, an amazing one at that. She will be forever missed. My parents live across the street and she offered kind words when my mother passed in 2011and for that I thank her. So sorry for your loss.
Kasey Skillman Smith
May 11, 2015
She was such a strong influence and wonderful role model for me. She taught all of us the meaning of "carpe diem" by example. So sorry for your loss. May peace be with you.
Jack Baldwin
May 8, 2015
I was so saddened to hear of Kathryn's passing. Those of us who had the pleasure of teaching with her were enriched as much as her students. She was one of the finest people I have ever known.
May 7, 2015
Terry and Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mike & Sheila Drew & Family
Donna Ghaderi
May 7, 2015
It was a joy to know and work with Kathryn at Central Hardin. She was a special lady! Blessings to all her family,
Donna Ghaderi
Kathy Mullins-Bell
May 7, 2015
She was the best English teacher. I had her for my Junior year at Central Hardin. She was so sweet. I will be praying for the family. May God be with you during this difficult time.
May 6, 2015
Terry,
We were to sorry to hear of Kathy's illness and death. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and our prayers. -Jerry & Connie Scott
Margaret Mills
May 6, 2015
I am quite saddened to hear this news about a friend from long ago. I remember Kathy well from our days at Georgetown College and can still hear her crisp speaking voice and that infectious laugh! Always respected her mind and knew she would accomplish great things as an English educator. Her former students' comments bear this out. Her upbeat attitude was her trademark in college and the positive dignity with which she handled her "affliction" as described in her obituary was just her "style." She was such a "lively" lady! May the cherished memories of her rich life warm the hearts and lift the spirits of her family and friends in the days and weeks to come. Blessings... Margaret Donaldson Mills (Maggie) in Cincinnati, Ohio
Senior English May 2000
Allison Johnson
May 5, 2015
The most memorable teacher from my high school years at Central Hardin. I had the please of having her for 11th and 12th grade English. Loved every moment and looked forward to class.
Sheila May
May 5, 2015
I was blessed to have known and worked with Kathryn. She was an amazing teacher and a cherished friend. God bless your family.
R Lee
May 5, 2015
My condolences to the Spalding family. May the God of all comfort strengthen you during this difficult time.
( 1Thessalonians 4:14)
. Rita Becker and family
May 4, 2015
her battle is over. Heaven welcomes another angel
May 4, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of your wife's passing. Praying for your entire family!
Kayla Payne
May 4, 2015
I will never forget the inspiration Mrs. Spalding gave me during my year as an AP english student. She was an unforgettable teacher and woman, I still quote her to this day. My condolences to her family.
Robin & Tony Hess
May 4, 2015
Evan and Jessica, So sorry for your loss, what a great and inspiring woman! How blessed you are to have had her all these years. Peace and Love to you!
Diane and John and Cody Scott
May 4, 2015
Thoughts and prayers are with each of you. Hugs
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
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