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RAPID RIVER -- Catherine Sue Klintworth, 71, of Rapid River, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at OSF St. Francis Hospital surrounded by family.
She was born on April 21, 1951 in Detroit, Mich., daughter of Dr. Charles F. and Ruth H. (Pennanen) Payton. Cathy Sue was raised in Birmingham, Mich. and graduated from Ernest W. Seaholm High School in 1969.
On March 24, 1973, Cathy Sue married Ron Klintworth in Birmingham and then relocated to Rapid River in 1975. She passed just two days short of celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.
With a passion of caring for others, Cathy Sue naturally fell into the profession of nursing. She attended Bay College getting her associates in nursing and then earned her bachelor of science in nursing from Northern Michigan University. She was the director of nursing at Christian Park for eight years and then was employed at UPCAP as a care manager for over 20 years. She also taught clinical nursing at Bay College for several years. Even after she retired, she continued to volunteer her time and give professional advice and care. She always was there to lend a hand and give a HUG.
Cathy Sue enjoyed reading, needlework and crafting, spending time at camp and appreciating nature. She loved playing games and being with her friends and family. She was a committed Lions fan and enjoyed cheering them on.
She was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid River.
Among survivors are her husband, Ron of Rapid River; daughters, Carrie Saunders of Gaylord, Mich. and son-in-law, Craig Saunders, Lindsey (Jeff) Short of Rapid City, Mich.; grandchildren, Ava and Allison Saunders and Harper and Hayden Short; four sisters, Ruth Ann (Mike) Hopp, Mary Lee (Craig) McFarland, Martha Jean (King) Smith, and Carol (Bob) Falls; brother-in-law, Barry Kennedy; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Evie Jane Kennedy.
A celebration of Cathy Sue's life will take place at a later date.
Memorials in Cathy Sue's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000 Dept. 142, Memphis TN 38101-9908 or www.stjude.org. Other expressions of sympathy may to directed to Ron Klintworth, c/o Crawford Funeral Homes, 302 S. 13th St, Escanaba, MI 49829.
A message of condolence may be directed to the Klintworth family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net.
The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.