Kathryn Ruth Andrews
June 27, 1939 ~ August 4, 2014
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Kathryn Ruth Heaton Andrews, a resident of Asheville, died Monday, August 4, 2014.
A native of Rutherford County, Kathryn was born in a log cabin, the daughter of the late Wesley Earl and Louise Swanson Heaton. She was the wife of the late John Williams Andrews of Longmont, CO.
Kathryn is survived by her brother, Ernest Earl Heaton, two nieces, Wendy Gay Heaton and Hollie Heaton, and a nephew, Spencer.
A 1958 graduate of Lee H. Edwards, Kathryn served in the US Navy Waves during the Cuban Missile Crisis. She holds memberships in WIMSA, The Women's Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, the Society of Military Widows, WWII Memorial Charter, and Commander's Club.
Having received certification as a Professional Secretary and Legal Professional Secretary, she pursued higher education, earning her AA in Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Sciences. She obtained further certification in Sociology, Small Business Management, and Teacher's Aide Training. She was on the Dean's List and served as an officer (Historian) of the Alpha Tau Chapter of the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society at San Diego City College, where she was also active in the college Mentoring Program. She was a CAADAC counselor for the ARC of the Salvation Army.
Kathryn was a prolific writer of poetry and prose, having penned more than 300 Christian and sacred writings that include maxims, songs, prayers, and fabled short stories. She declared that her writings did not come from herself, but from the quill of God writing through her.
Kathryn was a philanthropist who supported many causes. She loved her pet projects, especially FOI, Hillel, WJC, ARMDI, JVWUS, FIDF, AJC, B NAI, IBJM, the International Board of Jewish Missions, ZOA, and Smithsonian Associates.
As an animal rights advocate, she was a member and supporter of the Humane Society, North Shore Animal League America, Alley Cat Allies, Cat Lovers of America, Brother Wolf, and CAN.
Towards the end of her life, Kathryn put many of her poems and prose to music. She had carried the music of each piece of work in her head for decades, and under the tutelage of Music Therapist, Jay Brown, she was able to let those pieces come to life through song. Her passion for music and her relationship with Jay brought much joy to her life.
The family will receive friends from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. Thursday at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian, 72 Long Shoals Road, Arden, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Chaplain Steve Jones will officiate along with military honors by the USN Memorial Team. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, 31 Glendale Avenue, Asheville, NC 28803.
The on-line register is available at www.grocefuneralhome.com.
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It’s very hard to bear the loss of someone so dear. And although there is little that one can say or do to take away all your pain, please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of many. May every loving memory be like the warming rays of sun which help to bring some comfort when the pain and sorrow comes. And may you continue to assure your heart that Kathryn is safe in God’s memory. Malachi 3:16; Micah 4:4. May God grant you comfort and peace. With heartfelt condolences.