Cathern Hennemann

Cathern “Grandma Kate” Hennemann

 Surrounded by her family, Cathern Hennemann, 104, of New Castle, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. She was born August 29, 1920 in Raysville, Indiana, a daughter ofthe late James Clayton and Bertha Florence Stephens.

Cathern grew up in rural Knightstown where she attended Central School and Knightstown High School. She later continued her education with secretarial courses at New Castle Business School and Southern Ohio College. She worked for Citizens State Bank and Chrysler Corporation in the die room office.

 Early in the 1960’s she moved to Cincinnati where she lived for almost 30 years. During the time she lived in Cincinnati, she was a secretary at Eastern Machinery and most importantly, she came to know Jesus as her personal Savior and Lord. She retired early to more actively share her faith. She volunteered at a Veterans Hospital, at her church (Bethel Temple Baptist) as secretary, Sunday school teacher and also taught at Bethel Christian School. She especially loved telling children about Jesus.

 In 1989, she returned to New Castle to be closer to her family. She found a new church home at Foursquare Gospel Church where she loved and taught the little ones about Jesus. She also was part of the Foster Grandparent program at Agape Learning Center. She loved all the children and they affectionately called her “Grandma Kate”.

 Cathern is best known for her joyful disposition, willingness to forgive and generosity. She smiled from her heart, always making the best of every situation and trusting the Lord through good times and bad. She truly exhibited the fruit of the spirit and is now rejoicing in heaven.

 She is survived by her daughter, Deanna Tichenor; two granddaughters, Lisa Abrams (Larry) and Amy Harper (William); sister-in law Colleen Stephens; and many precious nieces and nephews. Additionally, she is survived by step grandchildren, Marvin Hennemann (Mary) and Cathy Jacobs along with a host of additional step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren. She loved all her family dearly.

 In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Ritchie and second husband, Ehlers “Ed” Hennemann; son-in-law, Donald Tichenor; sisters, Lura Walter (Harold), Ina Jessup (Omer,) Helen Simmons (Howard); brothers, Eugene Stephens (Evelyn), Leo Stephens, Leon Stephens (Joyce); stepchildren, Wallace Hennemann (Lucy), Robert Hennemann (Lillian), Bill Hennemann (Jeanne), and Carolyn Bailey (Donald).

 The family extends great appreciation to the many compassionate caregivers, who loved and cared for her, at Augusta’s Cottage at Stonebrooke Rehabilitation Center and also to Gentiva Hospice. Private services have been entrusted to Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service.