Cathryn Irene (McDaneld) Dugan passed away on January 7th with all three of her daughters by her bedside. She was born on November 26th, 1923, the youngest of six and the only girl. Having five older brothers shaped her life. They protected her and taught her how to be the confident, self-assured person who she was. She endured many hardships in her young life that also had an impact on her. When she was 8, Ora, one of her brothers died at age 16. Around age 11 (Mom couldn’t remember exactly), her appendix burst, and they thought she would die. Being the stubborn person, we all knew her to be, she survived. When she was 19, George, another brother, died in the POW camp after the Bataan Death March. Living during the Dust Bowl years taught her what was important in life, and it wasn’t fame and fortune. Family, Friends, and Loving animals made her rich beyond belief.
In 1949, she married Cleo Dugan. Good thing he was a good “girl dad”, since they had three daughters: Judy, Vickie, and Lori. Cathryn worked in the Osborne County Hospital for many years and retired from there when she was 65. She always wanted to have an animal rescue but had to settle for just rescuing as many animals as she could. During her retirement, she and her brother Neil tended a huge garden from which everyone benefited. Cleo passed away in 2004. She began traveling to see Vickie in Oregon, Judy in Nebraska and Kansas and Lori in North Carolina, Ohio, and Indiana.
As her arthritis worsened, she was no longer able to live alone. At first an “at home” caregiver was used, but it just didn’t work out. She stayed with Lori for two years and then came to live with Judy. Her caregiver for all of those years was Becky Christman, who loved her like a Mom and became family.
Cathryn lived a very long and good life. Many friends have entered her life and never left her heart. The best parts of her are in all three of her daughters. She inspired them all to be courageous and stand up for their beliefs. Everyone was equal in her eyes. There was no prejudice for those who didn’t look like her. Her smile was contagious, and it was real. The twinkle in her eyes never left. Left to continue her legacy are Judy, Vickie, and Lori (Madeline) and a host of nephews, nieces, 2 sisters-in-law Phyllis and Marvel, other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Cleo; her parents, Logan, and Ella; her brothers, Frank, Grant, Ora, Neil and George; her brothers-in-law, Jake, Alvin and Les, her sisters-in-law, Pearl, June, Sylva, Mary and Venda; her grandson, Tyler.
She loved everyone (well ALMOST everyone) and we know she would like to thank several people.
Thanks to ASCEND HOSPICE, especially Jean, Michelle, Danielle, Brooke, Anne, Taylor, Tamara, and anyone else whose name is missing.
Thanks to her Indiana family: Madeline, Tyler & Paige, Kyle, Mark, and Marcie, who provided care and love.
Thanks to Bobby and Darlene for watching over the farm and truly being family in every sense of the word.
Thanks to her “Water Guy”, T.J. for always making her feel special and taking time to just talk to her. He always told her “If you were 30 years younger, we’d be dating!” It always put a smile on her face at just the mention of his name.
Thanks to Debbie and Dr. Ryan who kept her teeth clean and healthy and to Dr. Gerard who kept her seeing as well as possible.
Thanks to neighbors (and former neighbors), Jamie & Nicole, Dan & Sherry (and Marshall), Brendan & Maria and Terry & Anita (and Alyssa).
Donations in her memory may be sent to any of these three Organizations (PLEASE include “In Memory of Cathryn Dugan”):
Always and Forever Midwest Animal Sanctuary
23595 W. 223rd
Spring Hill, KS 66083
Osborne Memorial Hospital
237 W. Harrison St.
Osborne, KS 67473
VFW #7743 of Osborne KS
221 S. 9th St
Osborne, KS 67473