Kathryn R. Werkhoven

Kathryn “Kae” Werkhoven, of Bartlett, passed away on February 17, 2015. She was preceded in death by her parents, Stephen Grier and Mary McKenzie Edmundson; her sisters Pat, Mary Grier, Roberta, and Margaret; and her son Jerry. She is survived by her husband of fifty-three years, William “Bill” Werkhoven; her children: Thomas Werkhoven (Nicole), Father Michael Werkhoven, Mary Anne Werkhoven-Rome (Neil), John Werkhoven (Nikki); her daughter in-law Margaret Werkhoven (Jerry); her six grandchildren: Brooke (James Leggett), Joey, Regina, Kristi, Jake, and Ann Marie; one great grandchild, Cameron; and her three brothers: David (Sherry), Steve (Cathy), and Mike (Liz) Edmundson. Kae graduated from Mt Sterling High School (Mt Sterling, KY); St Joseph School of Nursing (Lexington, KY); The University of Memphis; and St Francis College. Kae worked at St Joseph Hospital in Memphis and taught in its School of Nursing. She then worked at St Francis Hospital for 21 years, with positions including Director of Surgery, Director of Nursing, and Vice President of Patient Care. After leaving St Francis, she became active in Catholic Charities and established the parish nursing program. She was then asked to assist with St Peter Villa Nursing Home. She became Administrator and served in that role until her retirement in 2010. After her “retirement”, she began work at Ave Maria Nursing Home, where she continued working until her passing. Her numerous professional and civic recognitions included: 50 Women in Memphis who Make a Difference and the Diversity Memphis Humanitarian Award. Kae also served on many boards and committees, including: NCCJ, Tennessee Health Care Association; Catholic Health Care Association; Ave Maria Nursing Home; and Chairperson of the Governing Board of St Francis Hospital-Bartlett. Kae and her husband Bill were communicants at St Ann Bartlett Catholic Church, where she served as Lector and Eucharistic Minister. She was also a recipient of the Good and Faithful Servant Award in recognition of her parish service. Kae was active in Cursillo and with the Catholic Youth Organization. She began the SEARCH retreats (of which her son Fr Mike now serves as Spiritual Director) in Memphis at the request of Fr John Atkinson. In 2012 she was awarded the Martyr of Memphis Award by the Diocese of Memphis. Kae’s other interests included reading, St Louis Cardinal Baseball, University of Memphis basketball, and the daily activities of all of her loved ones (although she did not personally have the zeal for trivia contests that the majority of her family share…probably because she was always the smartest person in the room). Kae literally touched the lives of thousands of persons, and will be greatly missed. The family will receive friends at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 N Germantown Rd. on Feb 19th from 5:00-8:00PM with a rosary at 7:30. The funeral mass will be held at St Francis of Assisi Church at 8151 Chimneyrock BLVD on Feb 20th at 10:00AM, followed by burial at Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.memphisfuneralhome.net