Katherine Phifer

Katherine Gilbert Phifer February 7, 1937 – January 2, 2015 Katherine (Kate) Gilbert Phifer passed away peacefully into the arms of her Heavenly Father at the age of seventy-seven on January 2nd 2015, in Clearwater, Florida. She was surrounded by family in her final days as she passed away from complications with Alzheimer’s disease. Kate was born on February 7, 1937 to Leonard and Catherine Gilbert in Evanston, Illinois, where she spent her childhood years. She graduated from North Shore Country Day School in 1954 and later attended Denison University, where she was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. She completed her BA in English at Rockford College. Her marriage to Jerry Jewell in 1957 brought the joy of her two daughters, Sarah and Linda. She married Arden Phifer in 1972, celebrating forty-two years of loving marriage in November of last year. Kate pursued a career as a writer, researcher, and editor, which culminated in her authorship of three non-fiction books as well as many articles and essays. One of her greatest joys in life was being actively involved in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed her leadership roles on the Board of Directors for Dairymen’s Country Club, with Pi Beta Phi sorority, and with Community Bible Study. Her other passions included quilting and knitting, outdoor activities such as canoeing and golf, nature walks, studying family history, international travel, attending horse races, musical theatre, and reading. Kate’s primary places of residence included Milwaukee, Wisconsin and the Tampa Bay area in Florida. She is survived by her husband, Arden Phifer; her sister, Gail Weislogel (Lou); her brother, Richard Gilbert (Karen); her lifelong friend, Ann Arries; her daughters, Sarah Frank (Jay) and Linda Spence (Keith); her step-daughters, Jamee Tuttle and Kate Geiser; her ten grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. They will remember her for her deep love for her family, her wise and encouraging words, and her unwavering faith in the Lord through all circumstances. A funeral service will be held on Monday, January 5th, 2015, at 2:00 PM at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park in Clearwater, Florida. A reception will follow at Regency Oaks South Lobby in Clearwater, Florida at 3:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Kate’s name to the following organizations: Community Bible Study International. Gifts may be given to the World Wide Ministry Fund online through their website: http://www.cbsinternational.org/, or sent via mail to: CBS International, 790 Stout Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80921 (Phone: 800-826-4181). Alzheimer’s Organization, Florida Gulf Coast Chapter. Gifts may be sent via mail to: Alzheimer’s Organization, Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, 14010 Roosevelt Blvd. #707, Clearwater, FL 33762. With your gift, please include Kate’s name and the contact information for Gail Weislogel (2701 Regency Oaks Blvd Apt P106, Clearwater, FL 33759-1532) for notification.