Cathy Christine Shank
Passed: July 18, 2024
South Charleston, WV
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Cathy Christine Shank
Passed: July 18, 2024
South Charleston, WV
Obituary
Cathy Christine Shank, age 66, passed away at home after a two-year battle with ALS on July 18, 2024. Her husband of 36 years, Steve White, was by her side.
Born on August 27, 1957, in Sarasota, Florida, Cathy was the youngest of three daughters of the late Elizabeth Pauline Howell Shank and Ernest Charles Shank. She is survived by her husband, Steve; their children, Andy and Emily; and her sisters, Meribeth (Arden) and Wendy.
Cathy received her BA from Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana, and MA from Georgetown University in Washington, DC. It was at a New Year’s Eve party in DC that she met Steve. Together they built a beautiful family with their children, Andy and Emily. Above all, Cathy was a wonderful wife and mother. She also loved her pets, Buster and Morpheus.
Cathy had a fulfilling career in education, including teaching elementary school in Chicago, Illinois; English as a Second Language in Washington, DC; and a career in Adult Education for the State of West Virginia when the family moved there in 1992.
Cathy’s passion for life was reflected in her adventurous spirit. She enjoyed traveling – from Central America, Mexico, and Europe to the National Parks, Peru, and the Galapagos Islands. She was an avid gardener and had a genuine appreciation for the natural world. She also loved to immerse herself in novels and to share with her book club.
Known for her kindness, warmth, and welcoming nature, Cathy had a talent for making friends wherever she went. Her dedication to community and service endeared her to colleagues, students, classmates, neighbors, and numerous communities of friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Appalachian Reading Center, where Cathy worked part-time after retirement. This role was perhaps her most rewarding, as she helped young people learn to read. Donations can be made at https://www.appalachianreading.org/get-involved and will go towards a scholarship in her name, continuing her legacy of education and service.
A celebration of life will take place at a later date.
Cathy Christine Shank will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and the many lives she touched.
Condolences may be sent to Cathy’s family at www.barlowbonsall.com .
Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
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Appalachian Reading Center
- Website: https://www.appalachianreading.org/get-involved
- Description: Appalachian Reading Center, helps young people learn to read. In lieu of flowers, donations will go towards a scholarship in Cathy's name, continuing her legacy of education and service.
11 responses to Cathy Christine Shank
Ginny Marin says:
September 7, 2024
Cathy was a fine woman I remember well from her days at Goshen College, Goshen, Indiana. Sending our sincere sympathy to Cathy’s family and her extended family. Her joyous spirit will live on.
George Drain says:
July 25, 2024
I worked with Cathy in adult education. She was a talented educator and well respected. She and I once shared a ride to and from an educational conference in the middle of West Virginia. I remember it well because we rode back to Charleston on September 11 and listened with interest on the radio as the disaster unfolded. My condolence to the family.
Jim Klukow says:
July 24, 2024
Cathy and I were friends in the youth group of First Presbyterian Church in Sarasota, FL. We went to Montreat, NC youth retreats together and spent time together talking about the Bible. She had a sincere faith and was one of my first Christian friends. She was one of the first people to hear me play the guitar at youth group.
Knowing how she loved the Lord gives me comfort knowing that she is with her Savior, Jesus Christ. I wish I could have seen her before she left the earth, but we will renew our friendship in heaven with lots of stories to tell each other. Steve, you married a wonderful woman and my prayers are with you as you morn her leaving. Jim Klukow
Barb and Fuzz LaRue says:
July 23, 2024
Steve, Emily, and Andy,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your wife and mother. Prayers to all of you and may her memories give you comfort. May she Rest In Peace.
Perry Bryant says:
July 23, 2024
Steve,
I read with sorrow Cathy’s obituary in today’s Gazette-Mail. My sincere condolences to you and your family. I am deep sorry for your loss.