Katherine Louise Mathis

Katherine “Katie” L. Nitchman Mathis 83, passed away June 1, 2014 in Indianapolis. Katie lived most of her life in Indianapolis, where she was born to the late Raymon and Helen Nitchman on July 21, 1930. The widow of James B. Mathis, Katie (known to many friends and family members as Kakie or Kak) is survived by her children: Michael, of New York; Timothy of New York; Sally Cutler (husband, Jay) of Fishers; and Daniel (wife, Suzette) of Indianapolis, along with her five grandchildren: Adam Cutler, Kevin Cutler, Mark Mathis, Abigail Mathis, and Samuel Mathis and many loving members of her extended Arnold, Leonard, and McLaughlin families. She was preceded in death by her sisters Nancy Nitchman Leonard, Joanne Nitchman, and Virginia Nitchman. A graduate of Howe High School and Butler University, Katie was proud to have been the first member of her family to attend college. At Butler she joined Alpha Chi Omega women’s fraternity. By attending Butler and joining Alpha Chi Omega, she began a tradition that has enriched the lives of many family members and countless friends across the country. She volunteered in many capacities locally, regionally, and nationally for Alpha Chi Omega and worked at the organization’s national headquarters for eight years as a Collegiate Services Representative. She also served as a temporary house director for two collegiate chapters of Alpha Chi Omega. Katie received the organization’s most prestigious alumnae volunteer recognition, the Alumnae Appreciation Award, in 2002. Katie taught first grade briefly upon graduation from Butler and was an active volunteer throughout her life, serving organizations including the Indianapolis Day Nursery Association, the Noblesville Boys and Girls Club, the Noblesville Alpha Chi Omega alumnae chapter, MCCNY, and the Indianapolis 500 Festival. Katie possessed an open mind and had a wide variety of interests, including working all types of puzzles, watching “Jeopardy,” visiting New York City, reading, all things Disney, the Indianapolis 500, the Colts, and being a doting grandmother. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 4th from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Shirley Brothers Fishers-Castleton Chapel, 9900 Allisonville Road with funeral services Thursday at 11:00 a.m. The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Katie’s memory consider the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation, 5939 Castle Creek Parkway North Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46250 or the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter, 50 E. 91st St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240. www.shirleybrothers.com.

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Katherine Louise Mathis

July 21, 1930 - June 1, 2014