Katherine Shirley Scott

September 24, 1938 - September 24, 2017

Longtime Ann Arborite Katherine S. Menke Scott, age 79, passed away on her birthday, September 24, 2017. Growing up in Wauwatosa WI., she was the only child of Fritz and Paula (Grossegger) Menke. She leaves behind dear family in Germany and Austria.

Kathy graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1960 with a degree in physical therapy (PT) and worked at the former Washtenaw County Medical Care Facility. She was the first director of PT at the Chelsea Medical Clinic, which was founded by Dr. Michael Papo in 1970 and later became Chelsea Community Hospital. She then worked for the University of Michigan Health System’s Rehabilitation Department.

She met her husband, William J. Scott, Jr. (known by all as Scotty), in Germany when he was in the US Army and Kathy was a civilian service specialist with the US government. They were married on Nov 27, 1964 in Germany. They settled in Ann Arbor when Scotty attended graduate school at UM's School of Art and Architecture, later becoming faculty there. Kathy established the William J. Scott, Jr. Memorial Scholarship following Scotty's sudden death in 1989. Scotty and she had a love of jazz that she carried through to the end. On Labor Days, she and fellow jazz enthusiasts found their ways to the jazz festival. As much as she loved jazz, she loved opera.

Kathy had many interests, supporting and volunteering for diverse organizations such as Planned Parenthood, WEMU, and candidates for political office. Her volunteer work expressed her love for the music and for helping people. She ushered for the University Musical Society for over 20 years, volunteered at 10,000 Villages on Main Street for over 12 years, and tutored for Washtenaw Literacy and the Family Learning Institute. As an avid birder, she volunteered at the Bird Center of Washtenaw County, a bird rescue organization, and had acquired an impressive list of bird sightings. Kathy was a weaver and fiber artist and past president of the Ann Arbor Fiber Arts Guild. She wove beautiful rugs, wall hangings, and scarves and worked to support the organization at the Ann Arbor Art Fair and the annual Fiber Arts Sale. She loved to garden, travel, and eat lunch out with friends. She had a good sense of humor, telling her friends to "keep your chins up". She tackled the New York Times puzzles and was an avid reader. Friends knew not to call her after 8pm as this was her "reading in bed" time. Kathy was a valued friend to many; her friends were her chosen family and we will all miss her greatly.

Donations may be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center or Huron Valley Humane Society.