Catherine "Kay" Odle

Catherine Elizabeth Odle passed away peacefully on Monday, June23, 2014, at the Nicol Home in Glasco, Kansas. She was born on April 15, 1920 in Cawker City, Kansas, to Matt and Josephine (Sahlfeld) Pirott.
Catherine grew up in Cawker City. She attended St. Theresa's Catholic School and graduated from Cawker City High School with the class of 1937. After graduation she completed a course to qualify for a teaching certificate. She taught for two years in an elementary school in Tipton and a Mitchell County country school. Two short years in the classroom was enough to confirm that she needed to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse. She borrowed $75 from her brother, Jack, to attend St. Francis Nursing School. She graduated in 1942 and immediately began working as an RN with Dr. Clark, an OBGYN in Wichita.
She married the love of her life, Marvin N. Odle, on November 11, 1943, in Winchester, TN, where Marvin was attending Officers Training School. When Marvin returned from serving in the Army after WWII they made their home on a farm south of Glen Elder. They shared a love many couples dream of, which was evident on the dance floor. They enjoyed 52 ½ years of marriage together until Marvin's passing on June 11, 1996. Five children were welcomed into this blessed union.
Catherine worked as a nurse in several medical clinics and the Beloit County Hospital before organizing the school nurse position for the Waconda School District in Cawker City. She loved every minute of her 10 years as the school nurse and touched many lives before retiring in 1976. She was a lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church where she served in Ladies Guild. In addition she belonged to many bridge clubs, American Legion Auxiliary, County Election Board, Glen Elder Library Board, and the Glen Elder Senior Center Board.
Catherine's passions went beyond nursing. She was a talented quilter spending hours designing and sewing beautiful quilts for her children and grandchildren. Each grandchild was presented a handmade quilt from grandma as a wedding gift. She was an avid bridge player and formed many friendships that lasted a lifetime. As one of her grandchildren stated if you cannot find Grandma Kay at home you know she is either playing bridge or at church. Her strength came from her unfailing faith. This strong faith guided her through life's journeys. The simplest things in life brought her joy whether it be watching her loved peacocks spread their colorful wings, beating her grandkids in a card game while drinking a Dr. Pepper, or watching the Game Show Network.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Cecilia Pirotte Keys, Mary Pirotte Koch, Helen Pirotte Reichenberger, Francis Pirott, brother, Leo (Polly) Pirotte, Peter Pirotte, John (Jack) Pirotte.
She leaves to mourn her passing Marlene and husband Bill Odle-Kemp, San Antonio, TX, Stan and wife Linda Odle, Beloit, Diane and husband John Porter, Glen Elder, Gary and wife Kim Odle, Glen Elder, Mary and husband Rick Gruwell, Glen Elder, sisters-in-laws Nadine Pirotte, Cawker City and Jeanice Pirotte-Fleskes, Meza, AZ. She was surrounded in love by her grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, extended family and friends.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM Friday, June 27 at the St. John's Catholic Church in Beloit followed by burial in St. John's Cemetery. A parish vigil service will be at 7:00 PM Thursday at the McDonald Funeral Home, and visitation will be from 1:00 PM until the vigil service at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the St. John's Memorial Trust Fund or the Nicol Home.