Cathryn L. Cooley, 89, of Abilene, Kansas, died Monday, January 28, 2013 at Crestview Manor care home in Seneca.

Cathryn Louise Cooley was born on August 1, 1923 in the Newbern Community south of Abilene to Ralph A. and Elva Engle Cooley. She attended Lively Hall Grade School and graduated in 1941 from Dickinson County High School in Chapman; she then attended Wichita Business College.

She taught for four years in rural grade schools in Dickinson County. She was employed for 12 years in the office of Seymour Packing Company and Bell Springs Creamery in Abilene. She also worked in the office of Ehrsam Manufacturing Company in Enterprise. In 1959, she went to work for the Department of Army in Fort Riley doing clerical work and retired November 2, 1984.

Cathryn was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Abilene. She was also a member of the Abilene Business and Professional Women’s Club and the Coterie.

She is survived by her brother, Orlan Cooley of Neosho, Missouri and her sister, Dorothy Pearl Murphy of Seneca; and several nieces and nephews.

Cathryn bequeathed her body to the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the University of Kansas School of Medicine.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 PM Saturday, February 9, at the First Abilene Presbyterian Church, with Pastor Robert H. Frasier officiating.

Memorials may be given for the First Presbyterian Church of Abilene, or other worthy charities of the donor’s choice, and may left with the church at the memorial service, or sent in care of Lauer Funeral Home, 202 S. 4th Street, Seneca, KS 66538.