Kathleen Norris Mote

Kathleen Norris Mote, neé Moberly, of Union City, Indiana, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2023 at the age of 94 after a long and very full life. Ever social and gregarious, she was a well-loved member of her community and large extended family. Her loved ones are comforted by the fact that she now joins her beloved husband, Samuel Turner Mote, who died in 2013.

The youngest of seven children born to Georgia Napier and Whitelaw Reid Moberly on July 2, 1928, Kathleen was known to many as Kat or Katie and enjoyed hosting and attending her bridge group as well as amiably defeating her grandchildren at hearts, rummy, or kings in the corner. She also loved knitting and gardening and could be found on her riding lawn mower into her 90s.

Kathleen graduated from Miami University and began a career in education, even journeying to New Mexico with her sister to teach. After marrying Sam Mote, while raising two daughters and expecting the third, and while supporting her husband’s burgeoning business, she earned a Masters in education at Ball State University.

She felt fortunate to spend her retirement years traveling with her husband, often attending the reunions of his WWII Army buddies and reconnecting with old friends. Kathleen was known for her unfailing patriotism and kept well-informed about the goings-on in Washington, D.C. But when a college basketball came on, she put down her paper and switched off the news in favor of cheering for IU or Kentucky, the place of her birth.  

Kathleen has instilled in future generations her love and respect for education and literature, antiquing and solid wood furniture—which she often refinished herself— her love of watching birds and other wildlife visitors to the farmhouse, and her penchant for eating sweets for breakfast. Her homemade pies, cobblers and strawberry shortcake were widely craved and heartily enjoyed.

She was predeceased by her loving canine companion, Ginger, a dog who wandered onto the property one day and never left, providing support to Kathleen through the grief of losing her devoted husband, Sam. She was also preceded in death by her parents, six siblings and son-in-law Mike Modica.

She is survived by her three daughters: Rebecca Mote Vernon (Mark Vernon) of Stafford, Va, Jane Mote Modica of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Carrie Ann Craig (Dale Craig), of Daleville, Indiana plus many treasured nieces and nephews. Her six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren also mourn her loss and treasure fond memories of visiting the farm and being put to work snapping beans, fueled by endless glasses of Gatorade.

The family will hold a private burial service at Springhill Cemetery and welcomes friends and loved ones to a celebration of life at the South Salem Church of Christ in Union City, Indiana— where she was a faithful member for many years— on Friday, January 13 at 4:00 pm. A dinner will follow at the church.

We invite you to make a donation to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or Indiana Wildlife Federation in her honor, in place of sending flowers.