Nancy Dalton "Kitty" Axt

"Kitty" grew up in tiny Hornsby, Tenn., the daughter of the late Charles Clifton Dalton and the late Lilly Mae Delk Dalton. After graduation at the beginning of World War II, she moved to Memphis, Tenn., where she worked as the lead riveter at Fisher Body building B-25 airplanes. In Memphis she met the love of her life, an Army Air Corps Serviceman, the late Colonel Richard Charles Axt. They married and their life together led them to Biloxi, Miss., Hawaii, Charleston and Summerville, S.C., and Guam. She supported him through 3 wars, and multiple moves giving stability to her home and her children. Kitty had a zest for life that made everything a celebration. She had that "We can do it!" spirit that so many in that generation possessed. She was active in leadership roles in church life, Girl Scouts, the Red Cross, Garden Club, sports leagues, and as the Officers Wives Club President.

After retirement, the Colonel and Kitty enjoyed serving their customers in their antique shops in Summerville, S.C. and Athens, Ga., and enjoyed being a part of Bethany Methodist Church in Summerville, S.C.

Mrs. Axt is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Lat Heard of Watkinsville; son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Jackie Axt of Estill Springs, Tenn.; grandchildren, Richard Charles Axt III, and Lauren Taylor Axt, and Anna Kate Heard; a sister-in-law, Mrs. Kenneth Axt; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Monday, Jan. 2 at 1 p.m. at the chapel of Bernstein Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Mary's Hospice House, the National Military Family Association or the Gary Sinise Foundation.

Online condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com.

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.