Obituary of Kathryn Ann Patten

Kathryn Ann Patten, cherished wife, beloved mother of three and loving grandmother of seven, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2020. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests you consider making a donation to one of the following causes dear to Kathie’s heart—The Janice Hupp Memorial Scholarship at the Wichita Symphony Society or The Night Ministry in Chicago. More information below.

Kathie was born July 24, 1938, in Wichita, Kansas, to Chester and Olive Hupp. She met her husband, John, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. They married on November 26, 1960.

After raising their family in Illinois and California, John and Kathie settled in Hilton Head Island in 1997. They were residents of Sea Pines for 18 years until April of 2019 when they moved to The Cypress in Hilton Head Plantation.

A 38-year cancer survivor, Kathie celebrated and treasured life. Her twin legacies are her love for her family and music. Nurturing her children and grandchildren were the greatest joys in her life, along with playing the piano and seeing musical talent blossom among her family.

Her love and appreciation of music was at the center of her involvement in the Hilton Head International Piano Competition for nine years in the early 2000’s. She is also remembered for her work with Memorial Reception Committee at the First Presbyterian Church, where she became a member in 1999.

Kathie is survived by her husband, her brother, Greg, and her sister, Linda, as well as her children, Leslie, Burke and Matthew and their spouses, and her grandchildren.

While she will be deeply missed, she will be celebrated for her strength, kindness and compassion, and she will live on in the hearts of everyone she touched.

Services will be held Saturday, February 29, at 2 pm at First Presbyterian Church on Hilton Head Island.

In memoriam donations:

Kathie’s sister, Janice Hupp, shared her sister’s passion for music as an educator and performer. Upon Janice’s passing in 1999, a scholarship was established to assist aspiring musicians with the costs of instruments and lessons. To contribute to The Janice Hupp Memorial Scholarship, please contact the following:

Wichita Symphony Society, Inc.

225 W Douglas Ave Ste 207
Attention: Tiffany Bell

Wichita, KS 67202-3100

(316) 267-5259

Please note in your correspondence: “In Memory of Kathryn Hupp Patten, in conjunction with the Janice Hupp Memorial Scholarship.”

Kathie’s Midwest roots extended to the Chicago area, where The Night Ministry is a nonprofit that compassionately provides housing, health care and human connection to young people and adults experiencing homelessness and poverty. Contributions in memory of Kathie may be made to The Night Ministry at http://www.thenightministry.org, by calling (773) 784-9000 or through the mail at

4711 North Ravenswood Avenue

Chicago, IL 60640