Catherine (Katie) Louise Ward Werner
Catherine (Katie) Louise Ward Werner, age 88, died peacefully on December 20, 2022, at her daughter’s home in Sellersburg, IN. She was born on February 1, 1934, to Louise Schroder Ward and Charles Paul Ward in Batesville, IN. She was one of six children: Don Ward, Elizabeth Ward Block, Charlene Ward, John Ward and Bernard Ward.
Katie graduated in 1952 from Osgood High School. After graduation she worked at Western Southern Life in Cincinnati, OH but found city life was not for her and returned home and began working as a secretary at Public Service in Greensburg. On November 26, 1953, she married the love of her life, Herman (Duke) Werner Jr. and they were happily married for 56 years until Duke passed away on September 7, 2009. Catherine spent her life as a dedicated homemaker and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Cooking was her soul soother, bringing her and others much joy and everyone always looked forward to her infamous pecan pie and chili. She also enjoyed spending time with friends, eating out and entertaining (especially fish fries). She was an avid sports fan and never missed a Florida basketball game. However, her biggest love was spending time with her family. Katie was a long time member of St. Paul Lutheran Church of Olean where over the years she volunteered working on quilts for missions, singing in the choir, and providing food for various church events. She was also a member of the Delta Rho Chapter of Tri Kappa.
Preceding her in death were her parents, husband Herman, sisters Elizabeth Block and Charlene Ward, brother Bernard Ward, sisters-in-law: Veronica Ward, Glenna Ward, Janet Ward, Esther Geisler, Marie Werner, and Maxine Werner, brothers-in-law: Norman Werner, Estol (PeeWee) Werner, and Richard Block, nephews Randy Ward, Don Ward Jr, Richard Geisler and Billy Geisler. Catherine is survived by her children Kay (Kevin) Byrne of Sellersburg, IN, Jeff (Melissa) Werner of North Manchester, IN, Chris (Shelley) Werner of Cincinnati, OH, and David (Gwen) Werner of Gainesville, FL; five grandchildren, Dylan Liz) Werner, Kory (Carrie) Byrne, Makayla, Catherine Grace, and Colton Werner; three great grandchildren, Luna Michaels, Marley and Kellen Byrne; brothers Don Ward and John Ward and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to sincerely thank Amedisys Hospice Care, especially Jessica Richey, her nurse and Amanda Nelson, caregiver, for their warm and exceptional care.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 28 at 11am at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Olean with Pastor Mark Booster officiating. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5pm to 7pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Paul Lutheran Church or the Cliff Hill Cemetery in care of the funeral home.
