Age: 95
STRAYER, Katherine G.
Mattawan
Katherine G. Strayer, age 95, passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at Tendercare of Kalamazoo. She was born on January 27, 1920 in Boone County, West Virginia, the daughter of the late Samuel and Mabel (Snodgrass) Belt. Katherine was preceded in death by her beloved husband Frank; brother, Preston; sisters, Marie, Geraldine, Alice and Ann; great grandchild Zachary Dillon. Katherine is survived by her son Stuart (Ruth) of Portage, daughter Barbara (Russ) of Delton. Five grandchildren: Gregory (Chris) Strayer, Paul (Kathleen) Mundo, Kim (Randy) Dillon, Jean (Jim) DeFrancisco and Jennifer Strayer. She has eight great grandchildren , Brady, Madison, Isabella, Jonah, Brandon, Noah, Gabriella and Rocco. Katherine was in the Army Air Corps - WAC 1945 - 1947 where she attained the rank of Sergeant. Decorations included the WAC American Campaign Medal and the WWII Victory Medal. She attended dental tech school and became a dental assistant at Bolling Field in Washington, DC. While at Bolling Field she met her husband and they were married June 27, 1947. After marrying, she experienced many travel adventures with her husband who continued a career in the service as an officer in the United States Air Force. She did much volunteer work including girl scout leader, teen center and family services at Loring Air Force Base, Maine and volunteer work at South Ruislip Air Base in England and Holloman Air Base in New Mexico. She was an avid bowler especially while stationed overseas. Katherine was always a stay at home Mom. After moving to Mattawan, she worked part time at Tuttle Floral in Paw Paw. She loved flowers and plants and was a long time member of the Mattawan Garden Club. Katherine was a member of the Mattawan Congregational Church. In 2011, Katherine was awarded the Mattawan Business Association Citizen of the Year. She was known for her "inviting" porch and always welcomed friends over for a cup of tea and conversation. Friends may visit with the family Friday (March 6) from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw where services will be held Saturday (March 7) 11 a.m. Interment in Maple Grove Cemetery in Mattawan. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.