Katherine D. Racht

Katherine D. Racht, 83, of South Canaan passed away on Monday morning, December 16th, 2024. She is survived by her husband, William C. Racht. She is also survived by two sons: Dr. Justin Racht and his wife Kerry of Spokane, WA and Joshua Racht and his wife Sarah of East Granby, CT; three grandchildren: Liam, Meredith, and Claudia; two step-grandchildren, Ethan and Allyson; a brother, Robert Mark; 7 brothers and sisters in-law: Shirley, Alycia, Kay and husband Art, Phyllis, Alfred and wife Kathy, and Edwin and wife Evan. She is preceded in death by her brother in-law, Robert.

Born September 15, 1941 in Honesdale, she was the daughter of the late Rev. Robert and Mary (Scheerer) Mark. Kathy grew up in Wellsboro, PA, where her father, a Presbyterian minister, pastored a local church. In the 12th grade her father was transferred to Hawley and Kathy graduated from Hawley High School, Class of 1959. She went on to study at Wilson College where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Art History and English. Always devoted to learning and teaching, she continued her education at the University of Iowa where she earned her Master's Degree in Art Education.

For the first five years of her career, Kathy taught art in Philadelphia; and in 1970, she and Bill were married. After settling on the Racht family farm in South Canaan, Kathy began teaching art at the Western Wayne School District, and taught at the Robert D. Wilson Elementary School for many years prior to her retirement in 2000.

Kathy was a lifelong horse enthusiast and coupled with her love of children, she was a 4-H leader in Wayne County for more than 40 years. She founded the Chaps and Breeches 4-H Club, which provided her the opportunity to help countless children through the years and was among her greatest joys. Kathy was a Certified Riding Instructor and obtained her training from the American Riding Instructors Association.

Beginning in 2010, Kathy loved spending her winters in scenic Gold Canyon, Arizona. There she and Bill enjoyed the warm weather in their home tucked in the embrace of the Superstition Mountain Range and amongst the saguaro cactus. In Arizona, she enjoyed soaking up the local art scene and was actively involved with other artists in their desert community.

Following cremation, a memorial service will be held on December 30th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Church in Waymart.

Inurnment will be in The Waymart Cemetery at Canaan Corners, with reception at the Gravity Restaurant.

Arrangements and cremation are entrusted to Howell Family Funeral Home, Inc. Edward R. Howell, Funeral Director, 269 Belmont Street, Waymart, PA 18472. www.HowellFamilyFuneralHome.com