Catherine Hovis

1957 - 2022

Catherine Hovis
January 12, 1957 - December 3, 2022
Raleigh, North Carolina - Catherine Louise Blake Hovis (Kate Hovis), 65, of Raleigh, NC, passed away December 3, 2022, from a hard-fought but short battle with ALS. Catherine was born in Brookville, Pennsylvania to Paul A. Blake, Jr and Sandra Allgeier Blake on January 12, 1957, at 5:59 PM. She is survived by her parents and four siblings, Paul Blake III (Sue), Susan Blake Ehtesham (Joey), Margaret Blake Fulton (Ron) and William R. "Billy" Blake (Tara). She also leaves behind her son, Daniel "Blake" Hovis (Claire) and two precious granddaughters, Paige and Poppy Hovis. Cathy is proud to be a part of the large Blake family founders of Blake's Hardware as well as her very large maternal Allgeier Family who were the founders of Allgeier Beer, both historical businesses in Brookville, Pennsylvania. Both sides of her family have contributed for generations to the betterment of their beautiful hometown.
Cathy graduated from Brookville Area High School in 1975 and held various jobs as a teenager at the YMCA, Jodi's Women's Boutique, Holiday Inn and her favorite as a summer lifeguard at the beautiful North Fork Dam. She was extremely active in student government, theater, cheerleading, swimming and as many community, school or social events as she could squeeze into a day. She was elected to her first student leadership role in 1969 and led many school groups throughout her younger years. It was those leadership skills that built a strong foundation for her success in business for decades to come.
In 1976 Cathy married Dan Hovis, also of Brookville, PA, and they started their lives together in Huntington, West Virginia, where she also acquired the nickname "Kate." In June 1981, a son Daniel "Blake" Hovis was born. He was the center of his mom's world. They spent most of their lives as a family of two, surrounded by Kate's large loving family and many friends who are now considered family too. Blake is the first to tell anyone that his mom did everything for him that a mother AND father could do.
Kate began her finance career in 1977 and retired in 2017, having left her mark on thousands she worked with and for. She was known to be the hardest worker, tireless advocate and passionate driver of doing her very best at every level, every time. She earned her certification as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and went on to complete the CFP® Teaching Certification course at Columbia University after retirement in hopes to continue to advocate for the profession she cherished. She was a lifelong learner and maintained her CFP ® designation in good standing until her passing.
Catherine's stellar 40-year career took her from Charleston/Huntington, WV to Hilton Head Island, SC, to Tampa, FL and her adopted home of Raleigh, NC. It was in North Carolina where she found her most rewarding work and ultimately retired as a Regional Director/Sr. Vice President from BB&T Wealth Management. (Now TRUIST Bank/Wealth Management.) Kate was a very successful Client Advisor receiving top bank awards for over a decade in that role. She managed a team and developed herself as a talented Trainer, Speaker and Mentor to her clients and colleagues.
Kate also poured her time & heart into volunteering for causes she believed in, such as, the City of Huntington, WV, Board of Realtors, HHI, Founding Member and President; Boy Scouts of America Cubmaster/Troop Leader of Troop 4, Tampa, FL; Founding Board Member for the Tampa, FL Mayor's Beautification Committee; Member Emeritus of the Order of Eastern Star, Tampa, FL Lodge 11; National Association of Female Executives Founding Member, Tampa, FL; 1994 United States Senate Committee on Aging Testimony on Financial Disclosures for Financial Institutions Sale of Investment Products; YWCA Volunteer of the Year, Raleigh, NC; Board Member for the NC Science & Math Technology Center; Finance Committee of the Woman's Club of Raleigh; Board Member and Officer of the Cary McGregor Rotary Club, Cary, NC; Rotary Paul Harris Fellow; Raleigh Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors Board; Graduate of Leadership Cary, Cary Chamber of Commerce; and Board Member for the Boys and Girls Home at Lake Waccamaw, NC.
She kept close to her faith, trusted in the Word and prayed for peace throughout her battle with ALS. In lieu of a funeral (per Kate's request), her family will take an "Ashes Tour" and spread Kate back home where she was born, as well as her favorite places in South Carolina and Florida. The family will hold a private graveside service at some time to be determined.
Kate's final wishes consist of two good deeds:
First, donate to any cause that will bring you or someone you care about joy. Serving others was her most important cause.
Second, please take a moment to drop a note to her family, particularly to her young granddaughters, Paige and Poppy. Nothing would be better for them to get to know their "Mimi" through the stories of real life from those she met along her Train of Life. Nothing better than a good story of how you met, had fun, worked hard, cried, laughed or just hung out together. Send all communications to The Blake Hovis Family, PO Box 4487, Cary, NC 27519
Catherine Blake Hovis will be always remembered by her family and friends as the most devoted and loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and friend.