Kathryn Ballard Volk was born in Clinton, Iowa on July 19, 1946 to Rita McDonnell Volk & Robert Volk. Later her mother married Glen Leon Turner, who was like a father to Kathy and whom she loved very much for all he did to help her. The three of them were a very close knit family who went nearly everywhere together. Kathy passed away January 10, 2025 at Big Meadows Nursing Home in Savanna, Illinois.
She attended St. Boniface elementary school and graduated from Mount St. Clare High School. Kathy was a dependable and hard worker. She worked at a local dry cleaners for several years prior to moving to Muscatine with her parents. She worked at Louis Rich Foods in West Liberty 13 years before suffering a fall resulting in her breaking her neck and physical disability. She suffered years of severe pain, hospitalizations & therapies including daily specialized electrical stimulation hoping to reduce her pain to being tolerable. Through all of this, she was a real trooper, spunky with her contagious smile and positive attitude.
Being a member of the Concept – Therapy organization was an important part of her life, believing and living the principles she learned. When challenges arose, she tackled them with her “cup of TEA”. If I can’t change it, I will Transmit it. If I can’t Transmit it, I will Eliminate it. If I can’t Eliminate it, I will Adapt to it. Kathy was always eager to share this method to others, helping to make a difference in their lives.
Many happy years were spent belonging to the Clintones singing group. She had a beautiful voice and loved making friends with the ladies. Kathy’s remarkable gift of remembering every single family milestone date was uncanny. She was our reliable source for births, deaths, weddings—even addresses and phone numbers. She truly loved being around people, easily made friends, and loved reunions as well as any gathering with her family and friends. Kathy enjoyed crafts and Bingo at Big Meadows Nursing Home. In her earlier days, she enjoyed gifting her many handmade afghans, coasters, potholders and other items she created.
Kathy received excellent care and love from the staff at Big Meadows. She reminded her “walking angels” to be sure to polish their wings and put their feet up once they got home from their shift. Her appreciation and gratitude towards everyone there is only surpassed by her family’s appreciation for the love & care they gave her.
Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, several aunts and uncles and cousins. She is survived by a step brother, an aunt and several cousins including her cousin, “Sis” Jean Dulany. She was also especially close to her cousins, Dick McDonnell & his wife, Beth, as well as Sharon Witt and Ken McDonnell. They welcomed the opportunity to be her caregivers after she moved to Big Meadows in 2019. Keeping her fully stocked with snacks and soda, decorating her room, overseeing her medical and personal needs, and most important to her, their frequent visits filled with reminiscing and laughter.
Per Kathy’s wishes, she has been cremated and there will be no funeral service. Pape Funeral Home is assisting the family. To honor and remember Kathy, please do an act of kindness, offer encouragement and help to someone in need. Show appreciation and gratitude to someone who has been kind or helpful to you. Find the good in others. These qualities Kathy has passed on to all who knew her. She had a way of making your day a better day. She will be missed by all who knew her.
