Kathryn Jo Stecher

Kathryn Jo Stecher, age 96, of Fayetteville, Ark., died March 28, 2022, at Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimers. She was born on February 28, 1926, in Columbus, Ohio, to Ernest and Helen Scheiderer. Upon graduation, Kathryn worked as a secretary for Union Commercial Insurance in Columbus. During that time, she met Fred Stecher, a WW II pen pal who became the love of her life when he returned from the service. They soon married, and shortly after a move to Rochester, N.Y., started a family. A corporate transfer moved the family to Ontario, Canada, and later to Fort Smith, Ark., which became their permanent home. Kathryn was a member of Goddard United Methodist Church in Fort Smith, where she also was a faithful member of the Quilting Circle. She worked as a leader with the Girl Scouts when her daughters were younger and she was devoted to her Bridge Club for many years. Kathryn was most dedicated to her family, enjoyed adventures and travels with her husband, and she loved the time spent with her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Helen Scheiderer; son, David Stecher; sisters, Ruth Lynam and Lois Miller; and brothers, Dick and Paul Scheiderer. Kathryn is survived by her husband of 72 years, Fred Stecher; daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Gary Guthrie of Fayetteville; daughter, Tracey Stecher of Fort Smith; grandchildren, Kamie Stecher, Alison Guthrie, and Joshua Curry; sister-in-law, Alma Weaver of Palm Bay, Fla.; and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will take place on Monday, April 4th at 11 a.m. at Sequoyah Methodist Church in Fayetteville. Interment will be at a later date at the Fayetteville National Cemetery. Memorials in Kathryn's honor can be made to The Girl Scouts of America, Goddard Methodist Food Pantry, and Sequoyah Methodist Church. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com.