Kathryn Ruth (Whisler) Hippensteel Smith

Kathryn Ruth (Whisler) Hippensteel Smith, 88, North Manchester passed away December 20, 2020 at Peabody Healthcare Center, North Manchester. Kathryn was born in South Bend, Indiana on October 27, 1932 to William and Elsie Mary (Weidler) Whisler.

Kathryn graduated as Valedictorian from Lakeville High School in 1950. She went on to receive her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Manchester College in 1965 while raising her children. She completed her Master’s degree in Education from Indiana University in 1971. She was an elementary school teacher at Maple Park Elementary School, North Manchester, in Urbana, Indiana, and Arcadia, Florida. Kathryn’s love of books led her to work as a library assistant at the North Manchester Public Library and the Bremen Public Library, Bremen, Indiana. Kathryn built spec homes in California and Hawaii, drawing the plans, building, and doing the finish work.  She was an owner and manager of rental storage units in Lakeport, California.

Kathryn’s five children are forever grateful to their mother for instilling in them her love of learning, art, music, and literature.  They are thankful for her lessons in unconditional love and support and tolerance.  She provided and facilitated wider opportunities such as Scouting, 4-H, travel and the wonders of the natural world.   She gave her children the freedom to make choices nurturing their independence.

Kathryn was a strong woman.  When she delivered her twins, that made five children ages 5 and under. She went to college by burning a lot of midnight oil. She survived the 1960’s with five teenagers.  She met with fortitude the challenges and hardships of life.  She found great joy in babies, children, and ice cream.  Her legacy is love which is evident in her descendants' love and care for each other.

The memory of Kathryn Ruth (Whisler) Hippensteel Smith will always be treasured by her sons, David M. (Susan Klingler-deceased) Hippensteel, North Manchester, John W. Hippensteel, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin; daughters, Diane J. (Michael) Bever, Forest, Indiana, Jane A. (Stuart) Sayler, Lakewood, Ohio, and Joan R. (Mark-deceased) Laudeman, Lakeville, Indiana; one brother-in-law, John G. Sayler, Berea, Ohio; fourteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, and sister, Marjorie J. Sayler.

Due to current pandemic conditions, private services will be held for Kathryn with intentions of a memorial service at a later date.  She will be interred at Bremen Community Cemetery, Bremen, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice.

The family of Kathryn Ruth (Whisler) Hippensteel Smith has entrusted McKee Mortuary with final arrangements. 

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