Kathie graduated from Edinboro State Teachers College. She moved to Akron to teach special education at Goodrich Middle School. She met her husband Bob and left teaching to raise their children but always used her education to help others, including as a den mother for Cub Scouts, a tutor and Sunday school teacher for many years. Kathie loved reading, travel and being with her family.
Kathie believed in a life of service to others and always with a smile. She was an active member of Christ Woodland United Methodist Church where she organized the neighborhood Thanksgiving dinner for many years. Kathie served as president of the United Methodist Women. She volunteered with Open M, Access Women’s Shelter and Meals on Wheels, along with many others. She not only led many of these efforts but worked tirelessly supporting them through her many volunteer hours.
Kathie is survived by sons, Bob (Christine) and Tim, and step-daughter, Laurie Heidman; grandchildren Brittany and C.J. Heidman; Bobby and Katie Higham. She is also survived by sisters-in laws Gladie (Ray) Gilmartin, Susan (Jim) Striegel; and sister-in-law, Davileen Swank; and 11 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert W. Higham, parents, Rehl W. and Glenda Hawkins Swank, brother Chuck Swank and sister-in-law Elaine (Carleton) Boyd.
Funeral Service will be Monday, September 13th at 11:00 AM at Rose Hill Funeral Home 3653 W Market St. Akron, OH. Family and friends will be received Sunday, September 12th from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Rose Hill and on Monday, September 13th one hour prior to service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any charity of your choice in Katharine’s name.