Katherine T. Taber, age 79, of Marion, went to be with the Lord and dance with her life partner, Wally, Wednesday, August 24, 2016, at the Riverside Methodist Hospital following an extended illness.
On February 28, 1937, Kathy was born in Vicco, Kentucky, the middle of three children of the late Arnold and Zona (Collins) Thomas. She graduated from Dilce Combs High School in Hazard, KY.
After several years in Hamilton, Ohio, Kathy and her family moved to Marion, Ohio, in 1961, which would become the closest thing possible to home for this traveling and free spirited woman.
Having a very diverse working history, Kathy worked as a life insurance agent for John Hancock, a real estate agent with Joe Davis Realty, she was a car tester for Honda of America Manufacturing, and she drove an 18 wheeler truck all over the United States.
One of Kathy’s greatest loves was dancing. She loved everything about dancing, especially getting dressed up and ready in her colorful gowns. She especially enjoyed performing in the Marion Follies at the Palace Theatre, with everyone from the Martha Douce Dance Studio.
For over ten years, Kathy enjoyed serving as the modeling director for the Heart of Ohio pageant. She also was a member of the Jaycees, Marion Moose Lodge 889, American Legion Lodge 584, and she was formerly a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Marion.
Always on the go, Kathy loved to travel and see the world. She also loved camping, spending time on the beach, shopping, scrapbooking, taking photographs, and spoiling her family as a great cook and baker.
Getting a second chance at love, Kathy found her soulmate and dance partner in Wally Taber, whom she married in 1976. They shared a special love for seventeen years. He preceded her in death in 1993.
Most important of all to Kathy was her family. She cherished every moment spent with them, especially watching WWE Wrestling with her great-grandson, J.R.
A very vibrant and loveable woman, Kathy had a special way about her. She was a social butterfly, who loved to talk, and never met a stranger.
Left to cherish her memory are her three daughters: Anita Garrison, Belinda (Joseph) Colaluce, and Toni White; two granddaughters: Bridgete (Jason) Mullins, and Courtney White; two great-grandsons: Jason “J.R.” Mullins Jr., and Jayden Mullins; several nieces and nephews; and her dog, 1/10th Hercules III.
Including her husband and parents, Kathy was preceded in death by her sister, Joyce; brother, Phillip; and two infant siblings.
Her family will greet friends from 2 – 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 27, at the Gunder/Hall & Snyder Funeral Home, 347 W. Center St., Marion, where an informal time of sharing will be held by family and friends at 5 p.m.
A wish of Kathy’s would be for everyone in attendance to wear your brightest, most cheerful colors in her honor.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of the funeral home.
Gunder/Hall & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Kathy’s family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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