Kathy Boles

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Katherine (Kathy) Boles passed away at her home in Silver Point, TN, Wednesday, September 25, 2024 after a courageous 27 year battle with cancer. Kathy was born on November 14, 1941 to John and Mildred Kirby in Granville, Tennessee.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Carol Bender; a sister-in-law, Betty Jo Davis, and a nephew, Frank Bollinger. 

Kathy is survived by family members who love her and miss her dearly, her husband of 62 years, Bob Boles, of Silver Point, TN; son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Susan Boles, both of Geneva, Illinois; granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Brogan and Carl Norberg, of Chicago, Illinois; granddaughter, Cassie Boles, of Grand Rapids, Michigan; grandson, Timothy Boles, of Madison, Wisconsin; brother, James Kirby, of Nashville, Tennessee; and by several aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces and many friends.

Kathy graduated from Jackson County High School in 1959 and was an all-state basketball selection for her ferocious defense, a skill which she was happy to teach to her grandkids. She graduated from Tennessee Tech University - where she met Bob - in 1963 with a degree in English. She worked for the Tennessee Department of Probation and Parole for over 38 years and retired in 2005. When she retired, she was recognized by the State Senate with a resolution for her years of service to the state. 

After that, besides welcoming her grandkids to the lake each year, she gave her time to three areas where she was most passionate, becoming a Master Gardener and sharing her bounty with others; focusing on work with probationers; and her fight against cancer.

She served as the Chairperson of Triad Group Home in its early years, served on the United Way Board in Cookeville in 1988 (where she was a longtime volunteer at Dismas House), helped organize and coordinate the Friends of the Court program until her retirement, served on the Board of the Putnam County Coordinating Committee and as Chairperson and Secretary of the “Bosom Buddies” group, serving on the education committee of the Upper Cumberland Susan G. Komen affiliate. In 2004, she was awarded the Tommy Burks Memorial Award at Dismas House for her work with probationers and parolees, and her fight with cancer. She was a long time member of Collegeside Church of Christ in Cookeville and most recently attended Baxter Church of Christ. 

To all the doctors, nurses, and caregivers that helped Kathy during her health battles, we thank you. To the team of hospice nurses at Gentiva Hospice, thank you for making Kathy’s last few days peaceful for both her and her family.

A visitation service for Kathy will be held at Hooper & Huddleston Funeral Home in Cookeville, TN on November 9, 2024 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Kathy’s name to the Susan G. Komen Foundation - Central Tennessee Branch, 13770 Noel Rd., Ste. 801889, Dallas, TX 75380. She would also want you to do something nice for your loved ones or a neighbor.

Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home Cookeville Chapel is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. Share memories and condolences at www.hhhfunerals.com.