Kathy Jean Spitzer
July 31, 1949 – June 4, 2020
Helen Keller penned, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”
And so it is. Since diagnosed with cancer my journey has been a joy, beautiful, grateful and endearing. We have one journey and I decided to make it good.
I was born in Berkeley Springs, July 31, 1949. I lived in Berkeley Springs until I was 4 years old, that’s when we moved to Great Cacapon. I lived in Great Cacapon until I was 6 and it was a great place to grow up. My hobbies were marbles, softball and fishing. I mostly rode a stick horse playing Wyatt Earp.
In 1967, I graduated from BSHS. I was honored to serve as President of the Thespian Club and to be elected Band Sweetheart. During these years I became best friends with women whom continue together as the years have passed.
I went to WVU and graduated with a Bachelors and Masters in Elementary Education. I belonged to the Alpha Fi Fraternity and served as their Pledge Trainer and President. Lifelong friendships were made there.
In 1977 I attended Christ for the Nations in Dallas, Texas where I was licensed to preach. Upon my return, I served the Alpine Charge and filled pulpits when asked and spoke at revivals.
It was during this time, I also drove the Senior Center van, picking up the folks and bringing them to eat and delivered meals. We had a blast.
Overall, I taught school in Morgan County for 30 years. I loved (mostly) every moment. So many friends were made and I learned a peanut butter and sweet pickle sandwich is succulent.
While I was teaching I became the Youth Leader at First United Methodist Church, under Reverend Owen Womach, who approached me about going to Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. I was teaching and going to seminary at night. Soon after, I was serving as a student Pastor for the Sleepy Creek Charge. I finally graduated from Seminary with a Masters of Diversity and was commissioned and ordained.
During an 8 day silent retreat, which I attended yearly, I heard of Oasis Ministries. They were offering a 3 year training program for Spiritual Director. I graduated from the program. I loved being a spiritual director, helping people discover their questions. I was a member of Spiritual Directors International.
I went back to Wesley Theological Seminary to work on my doctorate and Spirituality and story.
Since ordination, I was sent to serve at Arden United Methodist Church in Martinsburg. I loved being there and they were life giving and life changing for me. All the churches I served were a blessing.
I retired from the church, I enjoyed traveling. When the cancer was diagnosed plans changed. Yet meeting all the people at the cancer center, brought me joy, laughter and much love. Your journey change and it’s been a daring adventure, starting with God who formed me, and my parents Bill and Betty Spitzer.
You wouldn’t be reading this if it wasn’t for them. I acknowledge my awesome brother, Roland, who faces every day with struggles from Parkinson’s and Mary who has been a fruitful caregiver to him.
I also recognize, Cassie Thurston, Jodi Spitzer and Nikki Stoneberger. My nieces and nephews: Kari Tracy, Kristian Thurston, Sidney Baker, Kirsten Baker, Frankie McCumbee, Matthew McCumbee, Brady Longerbeam and Chloe McDaniel. I also recognize my great nephew Blake.
Lastly, I give Thanks be to God for Ron and Sue Nagley, who took me in and made my days brighter, happier, healthier and full of love.
The family will receive friends from 1-3 & 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2020 at Helsley-Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 95 Union Street, Berkeley Springs, W.Va.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.helsleyjohnsonfh.com.
What a daring adventure!
What stories to tell!
What memories are made!
I die a hopeful and happy woman!
paid obituary
