Kathryn J. Babb

Kathryn Jean Babb, 67, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, November 23, 2022. She is survived by her best friend and husband, Sam Babb; daughters JJ and Donna Babb; son Jim Babb; daughter-in-law Julie Babb, son-in-law Eric Vonde; grandchildren Harrison Vonde, Geneva, Leah, and Samantha Ogrin, and Jules and Brazzie Babb; sister Nan Martin and husband Jim Nelson; brother-in-law Don Babb and wife Cathy Babb; along with countless friends and extended family members who will all miss her terribly. She was preceded in death by her brother Clifton Martin, parents, sister-in-law, and parents-in-law.

Kathy was born on January 22, 1955, in Hackensack, NJ, to Philip Martin and Barbara (Black) Martin. The middle child between big sister Nan and younger brother Clifton, she grew up in Glen Ellyn, IL. Kathy spent summers and holidays with her family at Buck Hill Resort in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. She swam competitively and enjoyed horseback riding. In 1973 she graduated from Glenbard West High School and began school at Kansas State University where she majored in horticulture therapy and met her husband Sam.

The two married on August 5, 1978, in Wakeeney, KS. They settled in Fort Collins in 1979 where they had their three children- JJ, Jim, and Donna. Kathy gave of her time and energy generously, volunteering at her children's school, leading Boy Scout troops, and teaching CPR and first aid classes at the Red Cross.

As her children got older, Kathy remained involved in their lives and spent time with each of them frequently. She also continued managing the home and the family farm in Kansas. Along with this she kept busy quilting, completing puzzles, reading, collecting a wide range of treasures, and spending time with her dogs.

Kathy loved being a grandmother to Harrison, Geneva, Leah, Samantha, Jules, and Brazzie. Not only would she visit them, she also spent hours videocalling with them, and sent each of them a card for holidays and even small occasions.

Kathy and Sam spent much of the last decade traveling for various antique car events and temporarily living in Rapid City, SD, and McPherson, KS, where Sam taught at the local colleges. Both Kathy and Sam believed fiercely in the benefits of education and devoted much time and money to McPherson College's auto restoration program. When it came to Sam, Kathy would follow him anywhere and be up for nearly any adventure he presented. Wherever their travels took them Kathy enjoyed seeing new things, learning about the history of the area, and making friends.

Above all Kathy loved Sam and her family to the moon and back. She will be forever missed.

A memorial Service will be held 11 am, Friday, December 2, 2022 at Bohlender Funeral Chapel.

"In place of flowers, please contribute to the McPherson College Auto Restoration Program through this link ( https://www.mcpherson.edu/giving/make-a-gift/ ) and by selecting "Auto Restoration" from the Gift Designation drop-down menu and in the comment section, please put "for Kathy Babb."