Katherine Ann Proffitt

Kathie was born in Waukegan, Illinois on September 22, 1948 to Lorraine and Edward Spencer and passed away on August 24, 2026.

She moved to southern California at a young age and graduated from Hollywood High School in 1966.

She joined the USO, where she met Douglas Proffitt, a U.S. Navy serviceman from Bluefield, West Virginia. Coming from very different worlds, they formed a strong connection and married, beginning a life defined by travel, adaptability, and frequent change.

In 1972, they moved to Bramwell, West Virginia and started their family, welcoming two children. Over the years, work took them back and forth between Bramwell, WV and Los Angeles, CA and they also spent time living in Chicago, IL.

While visiting Iowa from Chicago, a simple drive past a property for sale led to an unexpected turning point. They stopped to look—and ended up purchasing a 100+ year-old home on acreage in Madison County, Iowa, which became a central gathering place for family over the years.

She loved to travel and embraced change with a strong-willed, determined spirit. She also maintained lifelong friendships across the country, many of them beginning as early as elementary school and continuing for decades despite distance. These relationships remained an important part of her life.

She enjoyed crocheting and was known for making a handmade baby blanket for anyone welcoming a new child.

In later years, she moved to Arizona to be closer to her son and enjoy retirement. There she built new friendships and enjoyed long morning walks with her dog Molly.

She will be remembered for her steadfastness and the enduring connections she carried throughout her life.

She is survived by her sister Sherron Garr of Arizona, children Doug Proffit Jr. of Arizona and Heidi Mullins of Iowa, many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Private family services will be held. The family asks that no flowers or cards be sent.