Mary Catherine "Kit" Folger

Mary Catherine (Kit) Folger, 73, of Midland along with her husband, Richard Folger, passed away Sunday, July 4, 2010 in Alpine, Texas. A Prayer Vigil will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church and a Funeral Mass for the couple will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 8, 2010 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, the Reverend Monsignor Larry Droll officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com. Kit was born October 6, 1936 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Daniel Props May and Marie Catherine Hoeggar May, their only daughter of four children. She attended boarding school at St. Scholastica Academy in Fort Smith, Arkansas and later attended Odessa High School where she graduated in 1954. During her senior year in high school, she caught the eye of a young man at church. The determined gentleman, Richard Folger, pursued her until she agreed to date him. The couple married on May 29, 1954. Following the wedding, Kit moved overseas to be with her husband as he served in the United States Air Force in England. Reluctant at first, Kit quickly made friends and learned to enjoy the benefits of living abroad. She enjoyed the adventure and discovery of traveling. It was in England that Kit learned an appreciation for art and décor. Upon returning to the states, the couple settled in Midland and together they had seven beautiful children, nineteen grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Kit was a courageous breast cancer survivor, bravely enduring two bouts of cancer treatments with strength and fortitude. Kit was a very spiritual lady who volunteered at numerous religious and charitable efforts. She was a longstanding member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church serving in the Altar Society and other charities as well as St. Ann’s School. Most recently she became involved with the ACTS Retreat. Kit was a Lady Grand Cross of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, the highest designation the order bestows. She also received the Pilgrim Shell decoration from the order after making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. She served as an assistant to the Lay Mistress of Ceremonies for several years. Kit had a sweet and loving disposition about her to which people were drawn. She gave of herself constantly, never asking for anything in return. She made a home for her family that was inviting and full of love. She was a calming figure and provided stability for her large and dynamic family. She worked tirelessly alongside her husband Richard in building Folger Galleries, the business they established in 1970. Kit enjoyed a number of hobbies, reading and painting, but mostly she valued the time she spent with her family and loving husband. Kit was predeceased by her parents and her brothers John Daniel May and Kenneth Paul May. She is survived by her youngest brother, Thomas Eugene May of Oklahoma City, and by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchild: Richard Folger of Midland and his wife Lois and daughters Katharine and Christine; Donna Hopper of Austin, Texas and sons Juston, Keegan and Trevor and daughters Dylon and Fallon; Mark Folger of Northport, New York and his wife Janna and son Aiden and daughter Lia; Gregory Folger and his wife Shari and sons Kevin, David, and Stephen; Paul Folger of Greenwood and his wife Terri and son Ryan and daughter Jorden; Therese Sitzman of Greenwood and her husband Joe and daughters Megan and Emma; and Anthony Folger of Midland and his wife Ann and daughters Abigail, Amelia, and Allison; and great grandchild, Kali. The family requests that memorials be directed to St. Ann’s Catholic Church or favorite charity. Honorary Pallbearers will be Eugene H. Abbott, John W. Condon, Michael R. Earthman, Joe N. Gifford, Bob Guelich, Joseph G. Rhode, and Sam H. Snoddy.