Kathryn L. Meldrum

Kathryn Louise Meldrum, age 85, of Greenwood Village, Colorado passed away on Monday August 18, 2025. She was born in Denver, Colorado on March 12, 1940 to the late Edwin and Anita Mentgen. She was a talented musician and played the accordion professionally for a number of years, including being a featured entertainer at the Wolhurst Country Club.

Kathryn left the spotlight of entertainment to manage Wolhurst, and then ventured into the life insurance industry, later stating “My background of owning and running a business helped me make the transition to insurance.” Her proficiency in serving clients led her to being named the first woman recipient of the Distinguished Life Underwriters Award after only three years in the field.

She eventually established Kathryn Meldrum & Co., and was an accomplished estate planner catering to the needs of affluent clients with substantial net worth. Kathryn was highly sought after for speaking engagements all over the world and was a visiting faculty member at several major universities. Her greatest achievement came in 1976, when she became a member of the Million Dollar Round Table, a globally recognized association of financial professionals recognizing those who have demonstrated exceptional professional knowledge, ethical conduct, and outstanding client service in the life insurance and financial service industry.

A woman of many talents and passions, Kathryn had a zest for living life to the fullest, leading to many unique activities, such as getting married on a Boeing 727 while flying over the city of Denver! She was a true sports enthusiast, enjoying both collegiate and professional baseball, basketball, hockey, and golf, but was intensely dedicated to football, and was a lifelong Broncos fan. After retiring, she continued to enjoy fine dining, playing golf, and traveling the world. Kathryn particularly loved the experience of traveling by cruise. She found the service and amenities on cruises to be top-notch and took pleasure in the social atmosphere and meeting new people.

She also had a grand fondness for all animals, especially cats, and she took great joy in pampering and caring for them. Over the years she rescued, adopted and was “owned by” numerous cats including, Robert Redford, Maverick, Nakita, and her current beloved Cuddles.

She is predeceased by her parents and her husband Richard Carter, and is survived by her long-time and devoted companion of 26 years, James T. Golden of Denver, her sister, Joanne Stone in Huntsville, Alabama, her nieces, Diane Radoci in Huntsville, Alabama and Karen Warren in Athens, Alabama, and many great nieces and nephews.

Most endeavor for a full life but many fall short. Not Kathryn. She was indeed one of a kind.

In lieu of flowers, it is Kathryn’s wish that you consider donating to The MaxFund, Inc., 958 Inca St., Denver, CO 80204 or online at www.maxfund.org.

A funeral service for Kathryn will be held Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Olinger Hampden Mortuary & Cemetery, 8600 East Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80231. A reception will follow her funeral service at Cafe Venice from 1-3PM.