Catherine Denise Hill

Born June 28, 1958, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Shirley Lay, passed from this world on October 30, 2023.

In 1965, because of serious health issues, and her great love for her daughters, Shirley allowed Cathy, along with her sister, Sandy, to be adopted by Shirley’s brother, Jim and sister-in-law, Jean Bridges.

Cathy and Sandy (Thor) joined the Bridges Tribe in Pueblo, Colorado: Jim N. Bridges (Karen) Newark, California; Carolyn Hensley, Olathe, Kansas; Rebecca Wingfield, Marion, Kansas; Wayne Bridges (Barb) Shawnee, Kansas; and Troy Bridges, Milan, Kansas.

In the summer of 1980, Cathy married Charlie Unruh of Hillsboro, KS. During their 6-year union they had two daughters, Christine Lanham (Steven) of Walton, KS and Chelsea Schafers. Cathy was also blessed with three grandchildren: Sarah Schafers, Santiago Schafers, and Saurora Schafers.

One of Cathy’s proudest accomplishments growing up was holding top spot on the Mullinville 500 Club, whose members’ goal was to run 500 miles. Cathy held top spot on the Leader Board for a long time, even after moving to Marion where she completed grades 6 – 12.

Whether she was cooking at the hospital or nursing home, or stocking shelves at Walmart, Cathy was a hard and faithful worker who placed very little value on money or on accumulating things. She was always ready to help someone and more than willing to drop everything to spend time with her grandkids.

Cathy hated unkindness in any form.  One of her favorite sayings was “Why can’t people just treat others like they want to be treated?" Cathy lived up to that saying daily. Her kindness will be sorely missed.

Cathy was predeceased by her dad, Jim Bridges, and her brothers Jim N. Bridges, Ronnie Lay, and Bobby Lay.  In addition to her mother, Jean Bridges, siblings, children, and grandchildren, she is survived by Shirley Lay, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Memorial contributions can be made out to the family and left in care of Petersen Family Funeral Home.