Katherine Louise Margaret Proven Bass
October 3, 1951 – August 9, 2020
Kathie was born on October 3, 1951 in Pontiac Michigan to George and Eleanor (Stecker) Proven. Raised in Union Lake she attended St. Patrick’s Elementary School through the 8th grade. She was involved in the girl scouts and took ballet lessons. She attended St. Frederick’s High School in Pontiac for her freshman and sophomore years, where she was involved in the Junior Achievement program. She then attended Walled Lake High School for her junior and senior years, graduating in 1969. While attending high school Kathie also took classes at Oakland Community College in the nurse’s training program. She also worked diligently for ALSAC and for three years directed the fund-raising program for St. Jude’s Hospital for the Union Lake area, gaining the honor of meeting Danny Thomas in person. After graduating she attended the University of Michigan taking business and accounting classes.
On July 21, 1973 Kathie married the love of her life CW3 (Ret.) Dwight Langley Bass, Sr. while he was stationed at the Nike Hercules Missile Base in Union Lake. Together they travelled the world.
While stationed in Germany Kathie attended business and accounting classes through the Central Texas College Extension program. As a result, she became the supervisor for USAREUR Audio/Photo Agency, overseeing the payroll and attendance for 325 personnel. Once they were stationed in Huntsville, Alabama Kathie attended Calhoun Community College furthering her business accounting skills.
Her favorite hobbies included travelling, cross-stitch, reading, sign language, gardening, and fund raising. From 1989-1990 she served as the president of the John Hunt Pilot Club. She also managed the Huntsville Athletic Club and Restaurant.
Kathie was selflessly involved in the Alabama Master Gardeners Association. She served as president in 2016 for the North Alabama Master Gardeners, and fund-raising chairperson for both the North and State Alabama Master Gardeners. Kathie received numerous awards for her service with the Master Gardeners Association, including the Mary Lou McNabb award for 2010, the Jean Lee Award for 2010, and the Top Hours award for 2011 for the Alabama Master Gardeners. Kathie received a lifetime member award for her extensive work and devotion to the Master Gardeners of Alabama.
Kathie was a loving mother to Dwight “Hank” Bass, Jr. and Zackery (Marsheen) Ryan. She had four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Elizabeth Proven Fekete of Waterford Michigan. Kathie was known by her loving “bother”-in-law Bill Fekete, as his “sinister”-in-law. (LOL)
She was a loving, compassionate, selfless woman who was devoted and faithful to those around her. She is sorely missed by her family and friends.
No services are planned at this time. Memorials may be made to the Scleroderma Foundation, Kidney Foundation, or the Cancer Foundation.
