Kathryn Jo Larkin

Kathryn ""Kathy"" Jo Larkin, 62, was born in McCook, Nebraska on November 26, 1950 to John J. Pettera and Patsy Pettera (Drain). She was a farm girl who grew up in Ludell, Kansas and loved the old farm house that she grew up in with her sister and three brothers. She always enjoyed returning ""home"" to relax, take walks among the wheat fields and eat her mother's cooking. Kathy graduated from Herndon High School in Herndon, Kansas in 1968. She continued her education at Fort Hayes State University in Hayes, Kansas, where she earned her Bachelor's degree. Following college Kathy married and later became the mother of two children, a daughter followed by her son. She taught elementary school for several years in Boise, Idaho and frequently spoke of the rewards of being a teacher. Eventually Kathy began a career in telecommunications which took her and her family to Salem, Oregon and finally brought her to Denver, Colorado. For almost the past ten years, Kathryn has been employed by Allstate Insurance Company and truly enjoyed her work and the people in which she worked with. Kathy was happiest when she was quilting, crocheting, going to the movies and concerts, attending plays, cooking, trying new restaurants, as well as spending time with family and friends. She also found great joy in spending time with her west highland white terrier, Ella and her two cats Be and Sadie. Kathy devoted her life to being a mother, daughter, sister and friend to many and will be remembered most often for having a smile on her face. Those who are left to cherish Kathryn's memory are her daughter, Dana Larkin of Denver, Colorado and her son, Shawn Larkin of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; mother Patsy Pettera of Ludell, Kansas; brother Randy Pettera (wife Desree); brother Jim Pettera (wife Sandi) of McCook, Nebraska; brother John Pettera, Jr. of Ludell, Kansas; and sister Mary Jane Zogelman (husband Patrick Zogelman) of Florence, Kansas. She also leaves behind a nephew Chad Pettera (wife Erin); nephew Bryan Pettera; niece Lisa Gibbons (husband Christian); Sara Labidi (husband Zaid); Krista Ruvalcaba (husband Efrain); niece Jami Reger (husband Dave), Kylee Pettera and Dani Warner (husband Jason). Kathryn is preceded in death by her father, John J. Pettera. A Memorial Service for Kathryn will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at the Church of the Risen Christ, 3060 South Monaco Parkway, Denver, Colorado. A Vigil Service for Kathryn will be held at 7:00 PM on Sunday, June 2, 2013, followed by a Funeral Mass the next morning at 10:00 AM, both at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 519 Palermo Avenue, Herndon, Kansas 67739. Her burial will take place following the Mass at St. Mary's Cemetery. Flowers or a contribution in honor of Kathryn Jo Larkin are suggested to the nonprofit organization Educate for Change. Make checks payable to: Educate for Change, 311 S. Holly Street, Medford, Oregon 97501. Please share memories and leave condolences for Kathryn's family by signing the guestbook.