Kathryn M. (Kitty) Bates, 92

May 08, 2017

Kathryn M. (Kitty) Bates passed away on Monday, May 8th, in West Covina, CA. Kitty was a resident of Lititz in her early years, graduating from Lititz High School in 1942. She was a resident of CA since moving there as she proudly served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. She previously lived in Montebello, CA. She was 92 years old.
Kitty was the daughter of the late Walter A. and Emma K. Reifsnyder. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Walter A. Jr. and Robert P.
Kitty retired from the Santa Fe Energy Company, a subsidiary of Santa Fe Industries, Inc., where she held the position of Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer.
Kitty enjoyed traveling and reading. She also enjoyed researching the family’s genealogy, taking extensive notes at the library and also taking photographs of various gravesites of family members when she returned home for a visit. Kitty was an active member in her church, the Moravian Church of Downey, where she sang in the choir, had served the church as financial chairperson and had the honor of being the first woman elected to serve a three year term on its Board of Trustees.
Kitty was very active in the Bell-Maywood Business Professional Women’s organization serving numerous chairmanships throughout the years including serving as President of the local organization. She was also involved on the District level of BPW serving several positions of chairmanship with the organization.
Surviving are two nephews, Gerald L. Reifsnyder (wife Denise) of Lititz PA and Daryll L. Reifsnyder (wife Debra) of Lewes DE and their children and grandchildren.
There will be a graveside service with military escort provided by the Red Rose Honor Guard on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 2pm in the Lititz Moravian Cemetery. All those attending are asked to dress casually.