| Bio | Cathy L. Howerton, 60, died peacefully at home, holding the hands of her family early Tuesday afternoon, April 2, 2013. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m, Sat., April 6 at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St. Independence, Missouri 64055; cremation. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to Wayside Waifs (www.waysidewaifs.org). Cathy was born March 2, 1953, in Independence, Missouri, to Kenneth and Dorothy (Welch) Howerton, entering the family as Steve’s little sister.
Cathy was a lifelong member of Community of Christ Church. She grew up in Independence graduating from Van Horn High School in 1971; Cathy graduated from Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa. She and her cousin, Carol Carpenter, were nearly inseparable in their younger years, both attending Graceland College; they remained close as they continued to live within a half mile of one another in Lee’s Summit. After graduation, Cathy began her career working for Bayer Crop Sciences (then Chemagro) in Kansas City in October, 1975; while working for Bayer, she obtained her MBA from Rockhurst University. She retired from Bayer HealthCare in 2009 after 34 years. During her career, Cathy enjoyed assignments all across the U.S. and in Germany, forming many lifelong friendships. Cathy loved to travel and was always game for an adventure. She was happiest when taking a trip with family or friends, whether a trip to China or the pyramids or Hawaii or a drive to view the Missouri River. She was quick to laugh and keen to hear a new tale. She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her. She is survived by her loving parents, Kenneth and Dorothy Howerton, her doting brother, Steve and his wife Diana, two nieces Bedar and husband Murray Brookman and Rai and husband Dennis Bell, along with two great nephews and great niece: Austin and wife Melissa Cantrell, Dalton Bell, and Madison Bell; her Aunt, Lois Carpenter, and cousins Keith and wife Betty and Carol Carpenter. Cathy was preceded in death by her great niece Kyleigh Cantrell. |
