Kathryn Halter

Kathryn Marie "Coco" Halter, 97, of Anna, Illinois, passed away at 7:40 p.m. Monday, March 4, 2024, in her home.

Kathryn was delivered by her grandfather, Dr. Thomas Lee Haney, on Sept. 21, 1926, in Park Hills -- on a full moon.

Originally from Detroit, she was the daughter of Ralph Simpson and Ruby Elizabeth Smith Haney of Cape Girardeau. Both proceed her in final rest. Kathryn is also predeceased by her sisters -- Colleen (John) Reading of Aldie, Virginia; Shirl R. (William) Cunningham of Anna; Elizabeth J "Betty" "Mac" McClanahan; and Mary Sue Newell (Robert) of Fairview Heights, Illinois. Her husband William Halter also proceeds her in final rest.

Kathryn was joined in holy matrimony to William Joseph Halter on June 24, 1954, at St. Mary's Cathedral in Cape Girardeau, where she graduated St. Mary's High (Notre Dame) in 1944. They relocated to Anna in the summer of 1954 for their careers. They were married 63 years, 3 months, 19 days.

She was a member of St. Mary's Church in Anna for 68 years and participated in the sewing group. Her hobbies included knitting, gardening, sewing and cooking. She was athletically active in tennis and golf and was in the Cadet Nurse Corp.

She attended DePaul School of Nursing in St. Louis. She excelled as No. 3 RN in her class and was the graduating class secretary for the year 1947. She was a member of the U.S. Nursing Corp and Red Cross, where she taught. Kathryn later received her bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois.

Kathryn started her nursing career in 1947 at St. John's Hospital in St. Louis, moving up the ranks to assistant head nurse. In 1948, Kathryn relocated to New Orleans, where she worked at Hotel Dieu Hospital as

a private nurse until 1950. She then moved back to Cape to work at old Saint Francis Hospital as head nurse until 1954. After her marriage, she relocated to Anna and was head nurse at Union County Hospital until 1960. Later, having transferred to Choate, in Anna, she retired in 1987. She worked after retirement at Saint Francis Hospital in Cape Girardeau until 2000. Kathryn enjoyed her winter months in South Padre Island, Texas, for 34 years of "glorious sunsets" from the balcony overlooking the bay. Endless parties and seafood were her world. Trips into Mexico were huge perks, too. Kathryn was a prolific traveler, which suited her quest as navigator for adventure with "Bill".

Kathryn was an early stockholder of the Union County Country Club and was the winner of nearly three decades of golf tournaments. When not on the greens, she could be found on the tennis court. Kathryn's enduring legacy will be her philanthropic acts of kindness, and her generosity will be her most enigmatic attribute. Her presence on the fairways will be cherished by all whom she played -- for nearly 50 years.

Kathryn is survived by her two sons of Anna, William J.Halter II (Judy) and Thom Halter; grandchildren, Amanda and Will Halter of Anna; great-grandchild, Aubrey Burns of Anna; four nieces; nine

nephews; and other relatives. Coco's presence was truly cherished by her nieces and nephews, family, and friends. Her presence will always be remembered fondly.

Visitation will be from 110 a.m. to noon Wednesday, March 13, at Crain Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral will be held at noon, Wednesday, March 13, with Father Uriel Salamanca officiating. Inurnment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be made to the organization of choice.