Catherine Ann Voorhies

She met Don Voorhies in 1956, and they became high school sweethearts. The two had been introduced by Don’s best friend, Jerry Harris, who was also Cathy’s older brother.

Don and Cathy were married April 7th, 1962, at St. Lukes United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City. Later in 1962, Don joined the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant.

Don and Cathy’s first daughter Jan Alice was born in Oklahoma City on February 23rd, 1965. Their second daughter, Karin Beth, was born on April 30th, 1967, also in Oklahoma City.

After Don’s service in the Air Force, they moved to Chicago Ill. for a short time before returning to Oklahoma in 1974, where they remained for the rest of their lives. They found their home and raised Jan and Karin and truly had the best life together. Cathy worked out of the home on and off throughout their marriage but mostly she was a wonderful mother, musician and an artist.

Cathy had so many creative outlets and was the social half of the couple’s life. Her most passionate activity was being a musician and a member of the Oklahoma City Symphonic Band. She played the flute for the band for over 30 years and developed many very good friendships. She also played handbells for the Canticle Ringers, led by Nancy Krause, for several decades. She regularly played bridge and was a member of at least 3 groups, also substituting for others. Don and Cathy traveled frequently after he retired, and they were always planning another trip.

Cathy had so many beautiful artistic hobbies, she was a glass artist and sold her dichroic glass jewelry in outlets in multiple states. She also made stained glass and was a wonderful seamstress. She made clothing including numerous wedding dresses. She carved, painted and even took classes for blown glass. She was amazing at anything she tried and loved to create things.

Cathy and Don were perhaps most proud of their family. They never missed an opportunity to express how much they loved and were proud of them and the partners with whom they chose to share their lives. Cathy is survived by her daughters and their husbands, Jan and Steve Ashmore and Karin and Scott Johnson; her grandchildren and their spouses, Parker and Chelsea Johnson and their sons Rhett and Wyatt, Morgan and Mitch Mitchell and their children Channing and Miles, Christopher and Amanda Ashmore, and Nicholas and Courtney Ashmore. Cathy is also survived by her brothers and their wives Jerry and Sally Harris, and John and Connie Harris.

The world is less bright without these shining lights, and they are missed by all whose lives they touched.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Oklahoma City Symphonic Band – www.okcband.org