KERTH, Cathryn R. (Case)

Cathryn R. Case Kerth passed away April 17, 2011 at the Northern Nevada Regional Hospital. She was born March 21,1926 in Gordon, Nebraska to Wayland S. and Elsie Case. At an early age she displayed outstanding musical talent, coming home from Sunday School and playing the hymns by ear. Her parents started professional piano lessons for Cathryn at the age of 5. She soon was playing the hymns for Sunday school. By the age of 12, she was singing in the Choir and playing the Organ for the United Methodist Church in Gordon Cathryn was very active in the Gordon High School Music Department, singing in the Double Sextette, accompanying all of the various vocal groups, and solos. During high school she began giving Beginning Piano Lessons. She was very active in her Church and School, and was elected to the National Honor Society. After graduation from the Gordon High School she attended Oklahoma College for Women at Chickasha, Oklahoma, majoring in Piano, Organ and Voice. She was a member of the College Choir and was elected to the; Honorary Musical Fraternity Sigma Alpha Iota. She attended the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and various Music Seminars at the University of Nevada, Reno, University of Indiana, and Idaho State University. Cathryn was teaching Music at the Tecumseh Public School when she met the love of her life, just home from World War II, Robert L. "Bob" Kerth, who survives her. They were married June 27, 1948. They were married 63 years. To this union two children were born, Robert Craig Kerth and Kay Lynne Kerth Hess. Cathryn was a member of The Order of the Eastern Star and a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Elko. She taught music in the Elko Elementary Schools for 16 years and served as the Organist at the church from 1968 until 1984. She also served as the Organist for the Church Bell Choir for the National Bell Choir Competition in Anaheim, California. In July 1984 both Cathryn and Robert retired from the Elko County School District. They enjoyed retirement traveling, camping and fishing. Their travels included three trips to the Islands of Hawaii and two extensive trips to Europe. Winters were usually spent in warmer Las Vegas, Nevada. She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother Richmond B. Case, and Granddaughter Alesha Lauver. Cathryn is survived by her husband Robert, son Craig, daughter Kay (Dick). Grandchildren Mercedes Woster (Chad), Michelle Grider (Kevin), Ashley Lauver (Junior), Marie Hess (Kyle), Marcus Hess, Rob Kerth (Shannon), Heather Kerth and Terry Crawford. In addition she is survived by 11 Great-grandchildren, and their special dog Toro. A viewing will be held April 21, 2011 at Burns Funeral Home from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Funeral Services will be April 22nd, 2011 at the First Presbyterian Church of Elko at 10:00 A.M. A reception at the church will immediately follow the graveside service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The City of Hope or a charity of your choice.