Kathy Lynn Ganus

"Kathy Lynn Elmer Ganus passed away peacefully, at home in her sleep, on July 20, 2025. Kathy was born in Fayetteville, NC on November 11, 1959, the daughter of William and Marjorie Elmer. She attended McGavock High School, then went on to receive her Bachelor of Music degree from Belmont University in 1985, as well as her Master of Arts from Middle Tennessee State University. Her passions included music, teaching, animals, travel, and gardening. She loved gathering with friends, caring for her family, going to the beach, and living life to the fullest. Kathy was a wonderfully dedicated teacher, who gave so much of her life to helping her students in any way she could. Places she devoted her talents to include Lebanon High School, Southside Elementary School, Tulip Grove Middle School, DuPont Tyler Middle School, as well as helping with the McGavock High School marching band. She made sure to teach her students not just impeccable technique, but a deep appreciation of music, and how to apply its disciplines and lessons to all aspects of life. She was always willing to go above and beyond for her students. Some of her notable achievements as a teacher are her wins with the Lebanon High School Marching Band, leading the Lebanon Winterguard to World Championship Finals, her multiple first place wins and superior ratings with the DuPont Tyler Middle School band, and the honor of conducting at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. But no accomplishments meant more to her than the accomplishments of her students. She followed their school and professional careers with pride, whether they pursued music or other avenues. She adored watching her former students excel in life. As well as being an exceptional teacher, Kathy was also a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend. Just as she did with her students, she gave everything she could to her friends and family. She had time, love, and attention in abundance for those she held dear. After retirement, she spent her time caring for her mother. She also spent her time cheering on and helping her daughter and grandson in their accomplishments. One of her favorite things to do with her friends and family was travel. She especially loved taking them to her favorite place in the world, Nantucket. While her life was shorter than deserved, she spent her time on this earth embracing life to the fullest and experiencing every adventure she could. She truly made the most of every moment and every connection with the people she loved. Kathy is forever remembered by her daughter Kendall Ganus, her grandson Dimitri Edmonds, her son-in-law Zack Harris, her brother Bill Elmer and his wife, her many devoted friends, as well as many cousins and extended family members. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents. Service and visitation to celebrate Kathy's life will be held at noon at the Spring Hill Funeral Home in Madison, TN on August 16th, 2025. Kathy requested this to be a true celebration of the good things in her life. Therefore, instead of wearing black, please wear her favorite color, green. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in her name to the Catio Cat Lounge in Nashville.