Kathryn “Kitty” Williams Karst, 88, died July 27, 2011, at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach.
A resident of Vero Beach since 1953, Karst was born in Bradenton on October 7, 1922.
She was an honors graduate from Orlando High School in 1940.
As a young woman, Karst worked for the local telephone company, as well as the personal secretary to a colonel at Orlando Air Force Base during World War II.
It was at a USO dance that she met her future husband Arthur “Art” Karst.
The two were married in 1946 and later moved with their children to Vero Beach in 1953.
Karst was a homemaker and actively involved in several organizations, including the Garden Club, PEO philanthropy and Sunday School class at First United Methodist Church.
Karst was dedicated to being involved in her children’s lives, serving as a Girl Scout leader and a volunteer in the student clinic at Vero Beach High School.
She will be remembered for her generosity, hospitality, quick wit, and engaging personality.
Karst was predeceased by her husband Art and brother Jack Williams.
Survivors include her children, Arthur, Jr. (Anita), Jacelyn Prichard (Alan), Janice Karst, and Sharon Oescher (Jim); grandchildren Kelly (Lofton) Fairchild, Katy (Justin) Faires, Bekah (Tony) Conti, Claire Karst, McKenzie Oescher, and Jay ( Angela) Spear; great grandchildren Elise and Laine Fairchild, Caroline Faires, Olivia and Anna Spear; and sister Barbara Aldinger, of Orlando.
Special thanks from the family go to the dedication of her loving friends, the staff at Royal Palm Convalescent Center, Florida Baptist Retirement Center and VNA Hospice House.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 29, 2011, at Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home, 1950 20th Street, Vero Beach, and a celebration of Kathryn’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 30, 2011, at the First United Methodist Church, 1750 20th Street in Vero Beach.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions in honor of Kathryn Karst may be made to VNA Hospice or the First United Methodist Church in Vero Beach.
Arrangements are under the direction Cox-Gifford-Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach, FL.
Condolences may be sent to www.seawindsfh.com
