Catherine Rose Hewitt, 83, of Ottumwa, died June 21, 2024 at Hospice House in Ottumwa.
She was born May 5, 1941 in Ottumwa at the family home to Edward and Irma Hesse Rhoades. She married Keith LaVerne Hewitt October 6, 1958.
Growing up in rural Wapello County, she attended Eldon High School. Catherine was a beautician, working in her own home and in later years at the Bloomfield Care Center. She had also worked as a waitress at her parents’ restaurant, The Truck Stop on Highway 63 and was a waitress at the Red Lion Inn.
She was a member of Dunville Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school and Bible school. Catherine was also deeply involved in the Africa Kids Evangelism Ministry, sponsoring students, providing scholarships and building the school. She had an amazing love for Jesus that shined throughout her life.
She enjoyed painting, arts, crafts and belonged to a sewing club. She and her husband enjoyed spending winters in Texas and for a few years in Arizona. They also enjoyed traveling with friends, but her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was known for always giving the best hugs.
Surviving is the love of her life and husband of 65 years, Keith; their children, Kenny Hewitt (Sherry Smith) of Chariton, Kevin Hewitt of Ottumwa and Carla (Ron) Thompson of Bloomfield; seven grandchildren and a multitude of great grandchildren that she loved dearly; along with a brother, Darrell Rhoades (Teresa Benge) of Ottumwa.
She was preceded in death by her father, Edward Rhoades; her mother and step-father, Irma and Tom Clark; a sister, Marilyn Arthur; a step-son, Gary Hewitt and step-daughter, Kathy Lynn Hewitt Veatch.
Visitation will be open after 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 25th at Reece Funeral Home with her family present to greet friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 26th at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Marvin Martin and Pastor Kodjo Bossou, whom she loved as a son, officiating. Burial will be in Dunnville Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Dunnville Baptist Church or Africa Kids Evangelism Ministry.
