Katherine "Kitty" Johnson | 1931 - 2024
Obituaries-Pierre / Posted Oct 9, 2024 | 4:50 PM / 147 views
HIGHMORE, SD – Katherine “Kitty” Johnson, 93, of Highmore, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at Highmore Health.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the United Methodist Church, with Rev. Allison Galbreath and Roger Day officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by burial at the Highmore Cemetery.
Kitty was born on April 22, 1931, to Bill and Marie (Ringham) Burdick in Volga, South Dakota. After her family moved to Arlington, she came to Highmore to continue her education. After graduating, she worked in her uncle’s ice cream shop, where she met the love of her life, Duane, who ordered a lime sherbet malt with chocolate syrup—an unusual choice that made a lasting impression. They married in 1951 and enjoyed many wonderful years together.
Kitty and Duane farmed near Holabird until 1969 before moving to Highmore, where Duane began his career as the Hyde County Register of Deeds. Kitty worked at Gene and Betty Davis’s clothing store before becoming a beloved teacher’s aide at several country schools in Hyde County and later at Highmore School. With over 40 years in education, she was affectionately known as “Miss Kitty” by her students.
An avid reader, Kitty enjoyed puzzles, playing cards, and games with friends at Highmore Manor and the Senior Center. She cherished her special group of teacher friends, the “Ya, Yas,” who celebrated birthdays together. Kitty was also an excellent seamstress.
A lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, she devoted many years to teaching Sunday school and was an active member of the Eastern Star.
Kitty is survived by her sister, Carol Kessel of Spearfish; her brother, Bill Burdick of Mitchell; many nieces and nephews; and her dear friends: Myrna Hall, Janna Larson, and Marilyn Kutz, who brought joy to her life.
She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Duane; her parents, Bill and Marie Burdick; brothers: Red, Bruno, and Donny Burdick; sister, Bernice Seitz; brothers-in-law, Lloyd Kessel and Keith Seitz; three nephews: Adam Burdick, Mike Burdick, and Jeff Seitz; and one niece, Annis Schaeffer.
Kitty’s loving spirit and dedication to education and community will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Kitty’s arrangements.
