Date of Death: June 25, 2022
Service Details
A visitation will be held at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers, MI 49093, on Thursday, July 21, 2022, from 6:00-8:00 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.m. A luncheon will be held immediately following the service at their Fishers Lake home, 19948 M-60, Three Rivers.
Obituary Notice
Kathy Lou Guthrie, of 19948 M-60, Fishers Lake, Three Rivers, MI, passed away suddenly June 25, 2022, 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, MI. 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.
Additional Information
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to ARF of St. Joseph County, c/o the funeral home.
Please Leave Your Condolences
When your condolences are submitted they will not display until approved by the Hohner staff for appropriateness out of respect for their memory. They should appear within 24 hours or less. Thank you for your understanding.
Dear Jim,
The Fishers Lake Tubbs family sends heartfelt condolences for your sudden and deep loss of Kathy .
May the many years of wonderful and exciting experiences together bring you comfort in the days ahead . Sorrow is not forever . Love is.
My condolences to Jim and Kathy’s family. Kathy was one of the “Brady Bunch” at Brady Township with Cande Vermeulen, George Parker, myself and other Township Trustees. She always volunteered to help with my County and State election campaigns. She was a good friend who will be missed.
We were so sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing. We have many wonderful memories of her warm heart and loving friendship through the years. Our wedding reception was held at Kathy’s house on UV Avenue because she always enjoyed doing nice things for others. Heaven surely gained a wonderful angel. Rest in peace, friend.
I was shocked to read about Kathy’s passing. So it is with the deepest heart felt condolences I am sending to the family and friends of Kathy Lou. I was glad she came to our 1969 G-A H.S. Class 50th Reunion in 2019. I lived in the Burgess Drive neighbor hood growing up as kids. May she rest in peace with our Lord and Savior forever.
We are saddened to hear of Kathy’s passing. She was such a delight! We remember her from her days serving Brady Township and seeing her around Vicksburg. She was a gracious hostess, while Jim was host, when we attended Mendon’s Class of 1964 reunions at their home on Fisher Lake.
A dear friend and former coworker from Vicksburg Community Schools sent me this link. Part of my job at the VAB was to keep track of the Vicksburg Community Schools Foundation, and help with our annual fundraiser dance, which meant Kathy and I became very good friends. So, when David & I made the decision in 2000 to move to Colorado for a new job for him, I knew I was going to miss a lot of special friends from our 25 years in Vicksburg. And Kathy was one I was especially going to miss. Her personality and beautiful smile were infectious. We had spent so much time together over my years there. We kept in touch for several years after our move, and I thought of her so often, especially after the loss of Kelli Ann. She was a true gem to the Vicksburg Community. I am so sorry for this huge loss to her and Jim’s families. Our daughter Michelle graduated with Adam from VHS; she was very concerned for him when I shared this with her. God bless you all, and remember the special and fun memories she gave you.
Dear Loved ones,
I am so shocked to see Kathy has left those of us who knew and loved her.
Kathy was always so full of life and smiles, a real light for many.
You all have my deepest sympathies. Please think of the fun times as you say your goodbyes.
Kathy was such a wonderful and caring person. I got to know her while working at Vicksburg Schools and working with the Vicksburg Community Schools Foundation. She was always smiling and welcoming!
Kathy was a wonderful mom and she was so very proud of her children.
Sending God’s blessings to all of Kathy’s friends and family. She will be missed.
Dr. Jim,
i send my deepest condolences.
Sincerely,
Jeff Huckendubler
Deepest condolences to all of Kathy’s family and friends. I sat on the Brady Township Board with Kathy, she was always upbeat and smiling, she had a way of putting anyone at ease. So sad to hear this news.
Kathy and I worked together for many years at Brady Township. She was such a giving person of her time and talents. We shared many fun and memorable times together during that time and after. She will be missed by so many. Rest in Peace, my Friend.
Jim & family, I am so sorry to hear this news! You are all in my prayers. Peace & love!
Jim, I am so sorry to hear about Kathy’s passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
We started as friends when I hired her to be the managing director of the Vicksburg community schools foundation . Followed by her ventures for Brady Township. When Mary ask her to help her at the county Kathy ask me to apply to replace her as Brady township supervisor,which ended in over 13 more years of are close friendship. A wonderful person. Lee Philport
Such a shock, so sorry to here this. Many great memories with township events, you were a great and wonderful friend, you will be missed by all.
Sharing in your sadness as you remember Kathy. She was an amazing person, always smiling, very giving and what a remarkable life she had. We have the best memories of her that we will treasure and blessed to have had the pleasure to know her. Holding you in our thoughts and prayers.
Love George & Maureen
So sorry for your loss😢😘
From Marge Wolf Mineika and the Wolf family, Fisher Lake❤️
Jim and Adam: I am so deeply sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing. This is such a shock. Kathy was my Chief Deputy Treasurer during her time at Kalamazoo County. Kathy loved to run across the street to McDonald’s and get me a coke/root beer soda. She was always so extremely kind and generous to everyone. May our heavenly father give you comfort and strength at this most difficult time.
Kathy will be deeply missed. She will live forever in our hearts. When I think of Kathy,
I will always remember her beautiful smile and welcoming, open arms for the big generous hug. Cousin Jim, words alone can not express our sadness in the loss of your dear Kathy.
Love, Madeline Burnsky & Dave Macdonald
Impossible to put into words how I feel about Kathy’s passing. I will treasure the memories we made at Fisher Lake and in Florida. She was a kind and loving friend. I am so sorry very Jim. My heart breaks for you. Prayers for you and your families.
So sorry about Kathy’s unexpected death! She was very active in the Vicksburg Foundation & a solid supporter of Vicksburg Schools! She will be missed! Sincerely, Kay Bach ( Adam’s former teacher)
Jim I am so sorry my prayets are heading your way for you and your family DiAnne
Jim, I am so sorry for your loss.