Kathy Guthrie, 71

Kathy Lou Guthrie, of 19948 M-60, Fishers Lake, Three Rivers, passed away suddenly on June 25, 2022 at the age of 71, with her loving partner of over 25 years, Jim Souers, by her side. She was born Kathy Lou Carpenter on February 24, 1951, in Battle Creek. She was the daughter of Paul L. Carpenter and Julia H. “Dollie” (Stevens) Carpenter.

In 1969, Kathy graduated from Galesburg High School and continued on to graduate from Michigan State University.

She married Thomas Guthrie, with whom she had two children, Adam Guthrie and Kelli Anne Guthrie. They were subsequently divorced.

For many years she was the township supervisor for Brady Township and later she was the Kalamazoo County Chief Deputy Treasurer until 2010.

She is survived by her partner, Dr. Jim Souers, son, Adam Guthrie, sisters, Patty Carpenter, Julie (Lew) Buchanan, Shari (Mark) Hedges, brothers, John (Beth) Carpenter and Steven (Sally) Carpenter, step-children, Loren (Tessa) Souers and Amy Jo (Aaron) Goldfarb, grandchildren, Max and Ben Goldfarb, Porter and Aubrey Jo Souers and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and her special kitty, Cat. She was preceded in death by her parents and daughter, Kelli Anne Guthrie.

Pine Island, FL, where she and Jim have a home was one of her favorite spots. Their home is a nature haven with manatees and dolphins making daily swims along their yard. She enjoyed the company of wild egrets (named Stevie and Boots), herons (one named Karak), and numerous birds and fish, all of whom were her delight. She loved animals of any kind and always zoned in on any she met. She even made friends with a horse, Maggie, who pulled our cart in Ireland.

Kathy and Jim traveled extensively. They navigated all of the Great Lakes, boated down the Mississippi River, moored in Tennessee, and had a harrowing venture across Lake Okeechobee on their way from Pine Island to the Florida east coast. Whatever Jim wanted to do, Kathy was willing.

Jim and Kathy’s home at Fishers Lake was always bustling with family, friends, and visitors. Kathy had a knack for making everyone feel welcome and catered to their every wants. Many memories were made on those precious summer days at the Lake.

Kathy’s children were her joy. She spent their childhood years doting on their activities, served on the Vicksburg school board, and participated in parent organizations. She was a loving, generous friend to her nieces and nephews and loved playing with her grandchildren and great niece and nephew when they visited. Kathy made everyone she met feel special.

A visitation will be held at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers, MI 49093, on Thursday, July 21, 2022, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A memorial service will also be held at the above address, on July 22, 2022. Family will receive friends at 11:00 a.m., with the service beginning at 11:30. A luncheon will be held immediately following the service at their Fishers Lake home, 19948 M-60, Three Rivers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to ARF of St. Joseph County, c/o the funeral home.