- Date Of Birth: February 1, 1954
- Date Of Death: July 14, 2022
- State: Indiana
Kathie Jo Graham passed away on July 14, 2022 at her home in South Bend, Indiana. She was 68 years old.
A lifelong resident of South Bend, she was born Kathie Jo Horn to Fred and Alice Horn on February 1, 1954. Kathie Jo grew up in the Ardmore community, devoting her time to the First Brethren Church of Ardmore, and the many family celebrations in the surrounding area. She loved to sing in the Cousins Trio group. Her beautiful voice needed no microphone.
Kathie Jo met her husband, David P Graham while attending Bethel College from which she graduated in 1978 with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. Dave and Kathie married on June 25, 1977, beginning a strong, loving marriage that would span 45 years.
Kathie Jo raised her daughters, Wednesday (Michael) Demchok of South Bend, Indiana and Ashley (Michael) Blankenbaker of Springfield, Illinois to be strong, educated, passionate women.
She is survived by five grandchildren, Miranda Platz and Cassandra Demchok of South Bend, Indiana, and Caleb, Bethany, and Cole Blankenbaker of Springfield, Illinois. Kathie Jo loved these kids more than anything in the world.
Kathie Jo is also survived by a sister Joylene Barnes of Georgia, a brother Fred Horn of Idaho, and by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. All of whom may be too numerous to name, but if asked, she would’ve proudly talked about each and every one.
Kathie Jo was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Cheryl Horn and a granddaughter Micheala Blankenbaker.
Kathie loved her turtle collection, the tall sailing ships of Mystic Seaport, NASCAR, Notre Dame football, watching all kinds of movies, and exploring a wide range of music. She was a proud Christian and American. She loved to visit with family and had the best stories. Her strong sense of humor followed by her fabulously loud, boisterous laughter were irresistible. Heaven just got brighter, maybe a little rambunctious.
She often said, “Laugh often, long, and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with them!”
