Catherine Steinke

1953 - 2012

Catherine R. Steinke
Catherine R. Steinke passed away peacefully on February 16, 2012 with her daughter, Maia, at her side. Cathy was a wise and wonderful woman who was loved by her family, friends, her clients and professional colleagues and the many organizations she supported in the Santa Barbara area.
Cathy was born June 6, 1953 to Cecilia L. Ramos and Charles W. Ramos. She grew up in Lompoc, and as a young woman taught piano lessons and played piano for the First Baptist Church in Lompoc. Cathy studied piano at the Institute of Music in St. Louis, Missouri, attended California Lutheran University where she studied Organization Leadership and did graduate work in banking and business at UCLA and the University of Washington. Cathy is survived by her mother Cecilia Ramos, her loving daughter Maia Kight (Les) grandsons Timothy Kight (Heather), Tanner Kight and his fiancée Rochelle and Trevor Kight, her sister Charlene Murguia, brother Chuck Ramos, many wonderful nieces and nephews, her long time friend Mark Gross and many other blessed family and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Charles W. Ramos, brother-in-law, Dr. Ricardo Murguia, and dear friend, Bruce J. Steinke. Cathy was happily anticipating the arrival of her great-grandson, Trenten.
Cathy was dedicated to her family, and her world revolved around her grandsons. Her grandsons were equally devoted to her and, their presence in her final days was a tremendous comfort to her. Cathy enjoyed the outdoors, walking on the beach or at her daughter's ranch in Clovis with her grandsons. She loved her Christmas vacations in Cabo San Lucas with her daughter Maia's family and Mark, and if someone in the family said they wanted to go on vacation she said "let's go!" she loved to travel. Cathy was a great hostess, and her home was a magnet for family and friends. The three generations Cecelia, Cathy and Maia loved to cook together for any special gathering to nurture and love the family.
Cathy was a vital member of the Santa Barbara community. Professionally, she was the founder and President of Human Resource Services, a multifaceted executive search firm based in Santa Barbara. Prior to starting her own business, Cathy served as the Senior Vice President and Director of Human Resources at Pacific Capital Bancorp (Santa Barbara Bank & Trust) and during those years was the most senior woman in the executive suite of the bank. She also spent over 15 years in senior positions with Security Pacific Bank and Bank of America in Los Angeles. She was known for her ability to connect people and to give great guidance to those around her.
Cathy served on the Boards of several local nonprofits in the Santa Barbara area. She was the Past president of the Catholic Charities, Tres Condados Girl Scout Council, Santa Barbara Human Resources Association and the Santa Barbara American Heart Association. Most recently, and since 2005, she has been on the Board of Directors for the Santa Barbara Ensemble Theatre. She has also been on the Board of Directors for the Santa Barbara Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners.
In addition to her service to local charities, she was also the co-founder of the Ladies of the Fires, a support and advocacy group for women who lost their homes in the 2008 Tea Fire and 2009 Jesusita Fire. Cathy was always ready to share her expertise, compassion and connections for the benefit of others. And she treasured her friendships with a group of Women in Business and her Ladies of the Fires friends she dubbed her "angels."
The family wishes to express appreciation for the staff at Serenity House who made Cathy feel safe and secure in her last days.
In lieu of flowers, you may make a contribution in memory of Cathy Steinke to Catholic Charities at 609 East Haley Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93109 or to Serenity House/Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care at 222 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101 or by visiting their website at www.vnhcsb.org
Funeral Mass to be held at Santa Barbara Parish, Old Mission. Interment to immediately follow at the Historic Mausoleum, Old Mission Santa Barbara. February 23, 2012 at 10:00am