Katherine Steckler, of Huntsville, AL, passed away on January 14, 2022, peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones. Kathy, or “Chug”, as she was known to close family and friends, was born in Centreville, AL in Bibb County and moved to Mobile, AL when she was two. She graduated from Murphy High School and attended the University of Alabama the first year that Bear Bryant was there. Roll Tide. The love of her life stole her away from UA when she and Tom Steckler married on July 4, 1959. Their happy marriage was blessed with much travel and many Navy friends as they were the ultimate Navy couple, Kathy offering 100% support of Tom’s successful career – from Lakehurst, NJ to New Orleans, LA, Key West, FL to Monterey CA. Her passion was family and homemaking as she established 20 homes during their 62 year long marriage. Chip and Glynn made them a foursome that made for great tennis doubles and many adventures. The smartest one in the family, Kathy loved reading and research. She established the genealogy path for entry into the Daughters of the American Revolution through her mother’s family, and also forged forward with a membership to the Daughters of 1812 and the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Love and devotion to her only grandchild, Katherine Adeline, meant a move to Huntsville, AL in 1999. Much-loved “Grandmommy” showered love and tender care on Ally.
Katherine was preceded in death by her beloved son Chip Steckler, her father and mother, Murray Parks and Lucy Parks Brook, and her brother Glenn Parks. She is survived by husband, Tom; daughter, Glynn Below; cherished granddaughter, Ally Below; sister, Mary Parks Nelson; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Nancy and Norm Duncan; and dear nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held in Mobile, AL at Pine Crest Cemetery at a later date.
The family wishes to thank Hospice Family Care for their tremendous commitment to professionalism and caring support during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to CurePSP.org, St. Joseph’s Indian School (stjo.org), or Hospice Family Care, Huntsville.
