Katherine "Kay" Wulff
Katherine "Kay" Wulff, 87, of Evansville, passed away Sunday, September 7, 2008, at the Good Samaritan Home.
She graduated from Bosse High School in 1938 and Evansville College in 1942. Kay was a girl member of Girl Scouting and served as a local Girl Scout volunteer from '54-'70. She was Raintree Girl Scout Council president from '64-'68. She was a member of Girl Scouts of U.S.A. National Board of Directors from '69-'75, a Region Committee member from '65-'72, Vice Chair from '69-'72, Councils Committee member from '69-'72, National Properties Committee member from '72-'75, and 1975 Convention Rules Committee member. Kay then joined the national staff of GSUSA serving as an interim executive in 1976. From 1977 to 1980 she served as the Executive Director/CEO of Trailways Girl Scout Council, Joliet, Illinois. Kay then rejoined the national staff of GSUSA and from 1980 to 1985, served as a management consultant in the Chicago Field Center. From 1985 to 1989 she served as a national interim executive director, working with seven Girl Scout Councils.
Kay was an active member of Bethel U.C.C. where she was confirmed in 1934. She revived the Women's Guild, instituted Women's Sunday and served as one of the core organizers of the ongoing Christ Care Ministry. She was also a founding member of United Caring Shelter and served on the board of directors until 1998.
Kay was a loving mother, friend and mentor to many in her life.
She was preceded in death by Dr. Richard E. "Doc" Wulff; honorary pallbearers, Sam Wolf, J.R. Stallings Jr., Rick Hale, Dr. Gene Brinker, Dr. Charles Hopkins, and Dr. John Schymik.
Kay is survived by her daughter, Janie Hale Lafferty and husband, Allen of La Pine, OR; son, Dr. Thomas R. Wulff and wife, Sheila of Kuttawa, Ky.; daughter, Peggy Wulff Blackard and husband, Mark of Greenwood, Ind.; and grandchildren, Jim Hale and wife, DeDe, Katie Wulff and Peter Wulff.
Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, September 11, 2008, at Bethel United Church of Christ, officiated by the Rev. Joseph Fraccaro, with burial at Oak Hill Cemetery. Friends may visit 4 to 7 p.m. today at Alexander East Chapel and Thursday from 10 a.m. to service time at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel U.C.C., 3209 N. Green River Road, Evansville, IN 47715, or to Girl Scouts-21st Century Endowment 420 5th Ave., NY, NY 10018 or to United Caring Shelter, 324 N.W. 6th Street, Evansville, IN 47708. Arrangements by Alexander East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Avenue.
September 10, 2008
My mom just called and told me of your mother's passing. I don't know if you remember me but my dad was Jake Patton, and he and your dad were buddies at Barkley Lake in the 60's and 70's. I do remember when your parents were building their home there and your mom laughing about them painting the trees white that she didn't want cut down. (Instead of painting the ones to cut down!!). Candace Patton Mitchell (Norris City, IL)
September 10, 2008
Godspeed to you Ms. Wulff. You endured a tremendous number of obstacles in the short time I knew you. Your spirit and witty sense of humor was never broken the entire time. I admired you greatly for that. You were an inspiration to many, myself included. Your bright smile and warm demeanor will not be forgotten any time soon. May God bless you and your family at this difficult time. Dr. Daniel Gay (Greenwood, IN)
September 11, 2008
I knew Kay as "Sarge". She was my Girl Scout leader - and what a brave person she was! A highlight of my Girl Scout years was a memorable week-long trip to the Girl Scout birthplace in Savannah, and on to Cape Canaveral. (I still have our troop photo on the steps of Juliet Lowe Birthplace!) Peggy was along as Sr Aide. What a wonderful week that could not have happened without the dedication of Sarge and Pip (Mrs. Montgomery)! I saw one of my troop members at the funeral home. She said it best: Kay and Girl Scouting helped shape the woman she became. Girl Scouting does that to girls! And Girl Scouting could not do it without the army of women who tirelessly give of themselves. I hope Kay knew the impact she had on her Girl Scouts. In part because of her, I became a leader of my daughter's troop. Because of my volunteering, my own daughter has been involved in Girl Scouting for 18 years. So 40 years later, Kay is still empowering women to be all that they can be. Thank you, Kay! Julie (Hortman) Shofstall (Chandler, IN)
