Obituaries

June 15, 1950 to October 8, 2023

KEWANNA - Kathleen M. Kegarise, 73, of Kewanna passed away at 9:48 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 8, at Hickory Creek of Rochester Healthcare Center. She was cared for in her home by her loving husband until her final two days when a lengthy illness necessitated her being moved.

She was born June 15, 1950 in Chicago, the daughter of the late Stanley and Isabelle (McVicar) Czech. She grew up outside of Denham, Ind. on her family’s farm. She graduated from San Pierre High School in 1968. She also studied at Ivy Tech. On Feb. 9, 1974 she married Donald R. Kegarise. They shared 49 years, 8 months of marriage and countless adventures. Cross-country bike trips, golf, trips to the lake and art were some of their shared loves.

Kathy Kegarise

Survivors include her husband of Kewanna; son John (Shannon) Kegarise of Culver; daughters Aryn Freels of Royal Center and Andra Kegarise of Winamac; brothers Edward (Phyllis) Czech of Winamac and Thomas Czech of South Carolina; and sister Pamela Czech of Logansport. She is survived by 8 grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one grandson, sisters Jeannette Cobb and infant Mary Czech, and sister-in-law Kathy Czech.

Mrs. Kegarise was formerly employed at the PACE office in Winamac, the Kewanna Post Office, Harrison-Metzger Funeral Home and 1st Source Bank. She was a member of the Heartland Artist’s Association and past board member of the Heartery in Kewanna. She was a Purdue certified master gardener, a poet, photographer and artist. She and her husband were recognized as Fulton County artists of the year in 2015. She displayed her work in many art shows in the local area. She was a multi-talented individual, and shared her talents with others through gifts, volunteering and contributions to the community. Perhaps you remember her riding her bike delivering newspapers, tending her flower gardens, having coffee with friends at Flo’s, crocheting blankets for gifts, volunteering with hospice or to help people earn their GEDs, or delivering your mail. Her life touched so many others in ways that cannot be measured but will always be remembered.

The family wishes to express deepest gratitude to friends who regularly visited, ran errands, and helped in anyway. Additionally, to the hospice nurses and caregivers who were always only a phone call away, they say thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Per Mrs. Kegarise’s wishes, services will private; however, a celebration of life at the Heartery will be held at a future date.

Memorial donations can be made to the Fulton County Community Foundation.

Kathy’s online guestbook is available and condolences can be shared with the Kegarise family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes, Kewanna.