Katherine Marie Mankee

CHOCOLAY TOWNSHIP, MI – Katherine Marie Mankee (Crothers), left this world with her husband holding her hand, on April 19, 2021 and went to be with God after battling Alzheimer’s.

Kathy was born and raised in Michigamme by her parents, Kathryn and Melvin Crothers, along with her siblings, Jim, Mary Jane and Dorothy. She loved singing and sang in three church choirs. On warm summer days, a dip in Lake Michigamme during her school lunch break brought her joy. She graduated top in her class from Michigamme High School. Kathy married the love of her life, Wes, on June 9, 1956. Together they raised their children, Jim (Diane), Deb (Max) and Diane aka Annie.

Kathy enjoyed sewing and made many outfits for her girls. She loved to read and spent hours knitting beautiful afghans and baby sweaters for her grandchildren. She worked at First National Bank as a part-time teller and worked her way up to VP of Operations before retiring. Walking became a passion and she spent many hours taking long walks with her friend Joan. She thoroughly enjoyed traveling with her husband to the Bahamas, England, Hawaii and various trips exploring the U.S.

Spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren: (Kevin, Ciara, Breann (Billy), Cody (Murray), Nicole, Jessie (James), Shane (Ali), and Christopher) and great-grandchildren: (Kiara, Jayden, Jimmy, Ava, Ayla, Ady, Carter, Everly, Quinn, Willow and Amaija) was the joy of her life.

She was a soft-spoken woman who always put her family first. Her dear sisters-in-law, (Marge, Nancy and Pat) and close friends were always greeted with genuine kindness and loyal friendship. She enjoyed seeing her many nieces and nephews during various family events.

Kathy truly believed in the golden rule and found comfort and strength in her faith. Our hearts are broken, but find comfort in knowing that she is at peace in heaven with her loved ones that went before her. We each have our favorite memories of her to hold onto until we are together again.

A special thank you to UP Home Health and Hospice for their assistance and support.

In keeping with Kathy’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of her life will be held in the future. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the local Alzheimer’s Association, 3224 US Highway 41 West, #180, Marquette, MI 49855.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com