Kathleen A. Auter

Date of Death: March 17, 2010

Kathleen A. Auter, 58
Kathleen A. Auter, 58, of West Lafayette, died at 6:09 a.m. Wednesday, March 17, 2010, at Clarian Arnett Hospital.
Born July 12, 1951, in Lebanon, she was the daughter of the late James F. and Helen Allen Tarman. After her mother died when she was very young, she was raised by her father and his second wife, Wilma Tarman of Lebanon, who survives.
She graduated from Lebanon High School in 1969. She received a bachelor?s degree in education in 1973 and a master?s degree in 1975, both from Purdue University.
On July 27, 1974, she married Jeff Auter in Covington, and he survives.
Mrs. Auter was a teacher at Covington schools for two years, and taught for the past 36 years at West Lafayette School Corp.
She was a member of the WLEA , where she held several offices; the ISTA; and Kappa Delta Pi sorority. In 1997, she was the recipient of the Purdue University Crystal Apple Award for educators.
Surviving with her husband and mother are a son, Matthew Auter (fiancée: Kaylin Duncan) of Lafayette; a sister, Jama L. Bolt of Katy, Texas; and a brother, John Tarman (wife: Angie) of Napierville, Ill.
Also surviving are a nephew, Jacob Tarman; nieces, Allie Tarman, Courtney Bolt and Lindsey Jones; and an aunt, Betty Bryant. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Glenn and Lura Tarman, Lloyd and Kate Allen, and Fern Brunes Baker.
Visitation 4-8 p.m. Sunday, March 21, 2010, at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd. Service 10 a.m. Monday, March 22, 2010, at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, Dr. Will Miller officiating. Interment at Grandview Cemetery, West Lafayette. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute to the Kathleen Auter Memorial Fund c/o West Lafayette Schools Education Foundation, 1130 N. Salisbury St., West Lafayette, IN 47906-2447; (765) 746-1602. Online condolences may be sent to www.soller-baker.com

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

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I was a student at Cumberland elementary school in the 1970s. A facebook friend told me about Mrs. Auter&s passing. "Mrs. Otter" was my twin sister&s first grade teacher. We all loved her (and coveted her hair.) We moved away after our fifth grade year, but attended West Lafayette High School&s Class of 1991 graduation. She and Mrs. Brown rushed up to us after the service and said they remembered us after all that time. The good teachers will always hold a special place in our hearts, but for a good teacher to remember a student is an honor. If she is still remembered by her first grade class in 1979, the number of people whose lives she has touched over the years must be staggering! I am so sorry for your loss.

I think that I was one of the people primarily responsible for hiring Kathy at
Cumberland School, WLCSC. Kathy taught for me for a number of years. I
know Kathy will be missed, but I have fond and happy memories of the years she taught while I was principal. Kathy always had a smile, was so pleasant and loved the profession she choose. Please accept my condolences , she was a fine teacher and helped make Cumberland School one of the finest in this state.

Dear Jeff & Matt, We wanted you to know that you are in our thoughts & prayers.Lately it seems that life is getting shorter all the time.Take care.Tim & Jean

Jeff and family,
I was so shocked and saddened by the news of Kathy&s passing. I&m sure that we will continually be asking ourselves why? Ours is not always to know why, but to know that God has called her to the place that he has promised us all. In her life, she touched so many and made a difference in so many others lives that she will not be forgotten.

My prayers are with you during your difficult time.

Blessings,
Jennifer

Jeff - just want you to know that we are thinking of you and your loss at this time.
take care & god bless. The Linvilles Nick & Rhonda

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

To the Auter Family,

We are so saddened to hear of the loss of our friend, our comrade and companion, Josie&s teacher, the mom of Kindra&s diving buddy, and just plain wonderful person. Kathy is greatly missed. She has left a legacy in the lives of hundreds of learners.

We share in your sorrow and in the celebration of her incredible spirit.

Most Sincerely,
Deb Axness
Kindra, Matthew, and Josie Hunckler

My sympathy and prayers go to Kathy&s family. I was Kathy&s student teacher when she was a first grade teacher at Cumberland Elementary in West Lafayette (1978-1979 school year). She was an inspiration to me. She was very patient and kind as a mentoring teacher to me. I learned so much from her. I felt very prepared when I became a first year teacher within my own classroom. Not only did she take on the responsibility of supervising me, she became a dear friend. She opened her home to me as well as her heart. I have never forgotten her kindness, humor, and wisdom. She became an older sister I never had; someone I looked up to and confided in for advice. As the years past, we had unfortunately lost touch and gone on with our lives, but she has always held a special place in my heart.
God bless.
Beth Lamar

Dear Mr. Auter & Matt: Our prayers are with you. We are sad for your loss as well as the loss of all of former students and parents of former students. Kathy made a special difference in the lives of many.

Love,
David, Bruce, Margie & Francie Grraham

I am so saddened by the news of Kathy&s passing. My heart goes out to all of you at this time as no words can adequately comfort you. Though not near as full as yours, my memories of her are those of both joy and admiration. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences for your loss. My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.

Jeff

Jeff and Matt,
I am very sorry about the loss of a very special loved one. Matt, I knew your Mom long ago. She taught at Covington and I do now. I played cards with your Mom. Jeff, Kathy and I exchanged Christmas cards and I know Matt is engaged. Kathy was a fun and dedicated teacher.

Carol Romine

To the Auter Family,

In times of darkness there is a light in which we as human all gather around, that light is family and being close. Mr. Auter I am very sorry for your loss and wish I could help take some of the grief from you. Matt things seem so tough some times but your family has had a big role in your life. Your father keeps you on the straight and narrow and you mother will still keep giving love to you like she has done in the past. Even though I am not there I am always able to keep in contact. I am sorry for the loss and I wish you many beautiful days to come.

Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact.
Henry James

With lots of thought and prayers
SPC Braun,David

Dear Jeff and Matt
Don and I were deeply saddened to learn of Kathy&s passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts. We will always remember her smile.

My thoughts are with Kathy&s family. Kathy and I were classmates and friends at Lebanon High School. She will be missed.

I want to say how sorry we are for your loss. Kathy always seemed like a nice person. Life is so fragile, your loss reminded me of how much I love my own wife and how important it is to always show and tell her how much I love her. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. I will always consider you my friend.

Louis & Jane Kokotkiewicz

Jeff and Family,
Sending our condolences to you and our prayers for all.

Jim and Camilla Robinson

We are very sorry for your loss. Lucas, Jackie, and Danika.

sorry to hear about your wife. losing a spouse can be very difficult, i know.

taffy

Jeff,
I am so sorry for the loss of your wife. I am in Tucson now or I would be there. Please let Max know if there is anything you need while I am gone. I will be back the 26th. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
With Prayers,
Tami Snyder

Dear Jeff and Family,

So sorry to hear about Kathy. Although we have not seen you both for years, we have many fond memories of you both. Praying that God will be with you during this trying time.

Sincerely,

Steve and Donna

Dear Jeff ,
I&m so sorry for the loss of your wife. Though I didn&t know her well, I have known and loved you all of my life. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. I cannot be with you for visitation. Our spring break starts today, and I will be out of town for a few days. Perhaps we can get together this summer with some of our classmates. We could throw a 69&er retirement party for Bardos, then for me the summer after!
I did not know that Kathy taught so many years nor that she received so many accolades. She must have touched many chidren&s lives during her teaching career. Obviously she will never be forgotten. Let me know if I can help you in any way.
Love,
Joyce

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Dear Jeff, Matthew, Jama and John,

I am so sorry for your loss.

Kathy and I first met either the fall of 1969 or spring of 1970 in one of our many ed. classes at Purdue. While we were not close, we always ended up in most of the same classes. I remember Kathy being a very smart gal who knew what she wanted, was persistent, studied diligently and took her studies seriously. She pursued her career faithfully and obviously touched hundreds / thousands of lives over the years. (I realized after 2.5 years teaching I did not have the passion I saw in those like Kathy and left the profession.)

I pray you will find strength in the Lord, and that your friends, colleagues and neighbors will gather around to support you during this sadness and grief. Will and Sally Miller have no doubt been there for you for a while now, and they will help you through this.

May God comfort you as no other can.

Sincerely,
Myra (McCammon) Leap, West Lafayette
Purdue Univ. Elementary Ed. class of 1973

I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Kathy at The West Lafayette Schools. I worked in the nursing office. She will be missed!

Our loving thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob & Chris Dodds

Jeff - I am truly sorry for your loss. I know that you and Kathy had a very special relationship. Please know that many of your classmates have asked about you and send their heartfelt condolences to you and your family. If you need anything please let me know.

Jeff and family,
So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Thinking of you...
Debby Gurley

Matt,
I was so sorry to hear about your mother. I know it will be difficult for Kaylin and your family too. I&m going out of town today and won&t be able to make the visitation. I know you will always have wonderful memories and I&m praying for you and your family. Blessings, Mary Ellen Crose

You and your family have our deepest condolence in the lost of Kathy, she was indeed a very special lady. Both of my children knew her from a young age, she was kind, loving and special to all of her students and parents. Kathy took my sons spider for her class room and kept him for many years, I knew he would be safe in her care. She will be missed by so many and has made a lasting imprint on so many children&s lives, may she rest in peace.

Helen and Charles Yacomeni

My family&s thoughts and prayers go out to your family at this difficult time. Our daughter, Jennifer (now 33), was in her Cumberland class back many years ago. Jennifer was a special education student and all her teachers worked with her lovingly and with lots of caring! Mrs. Auter cared the same. We have always appreciated this. Jennifer has done well in her life thus far! Dear teachers are never forgotten. Thank you for her life -- there are many memories to cherish!!

We were so sorry to hear of Kathy&s death. Mason was her student last year. We send love and prayers to your family at the loss of such an outstanding teacher, mentor and friend.
Sincerely,
Anne R. Washburn (Mason Washburn, student)

I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with your wife when we lived in WL. She was a joy to be around. Sharon Fueger

Jeff and Matt,
Kathy and I taught across the hall from each other for many of my 15 years at Cumberland. I am so saddened to hear of her passing. She was always so ready to help others. Personally, I know how helpful she was to me when I was new. She will certainly be missed. Elaine

My deepest sympathy and prayers to your family. I am a classmate of Kathy&s (Lebanon High School 1969). I&m so glad I got to see and talk to Kathy at last year&s reunion. We actually went to elementary school together. I always thought so much of Kathy. We were always friends, not really best of friends or "hang around together" type of friends, but we were always friendly to each other. What I remember most about Kathy was her quiet, gentle manner. I can definitely see where she would probably be outstanding as a teacher!

This past Thanksgiving, my cousin, Betty Endicott from Florida, came to Lebanon. While she was in town, she came to our house for our Thanksgiving meal. Betty is a good friend of Wilma Tarman. Wilma actually brought Betty to our house because she was staying at Wilma&s. Such a small world!

Again, I&m sending my most sincere sympathy and prayers to your family in the loss of Kathy. I will not be able to come to the funeral, but my thoughts will be with you during this time.

Sincerely,
Pat (Lasley) Adams

Jeff:

I am so sorry to hear of your wife&s passing. It&s difficult to know exactly what to say to you. I can&t imagine.

I pray you keep her memories close to your heart; no one can take those away from you. I will include you in my prayers.

Please take care friend. God bless you.

Rita

Dear Auter Family,

We share your profound sense of shock and sorrow at the sudden loss of Kathy. She was a dedicated professional and it is impossible to imagine Cumberland without her presence there. We extend our heartfelt sympathies.

Vicky and Keith Woeste
Helen (Auter 2d grader, 2003-2004), Margaret, Joseph, and Phillip Woeste

To the family of Kathy,

I am a 1969 Lebanon High School classmate of Kathy&s. I just wanted to extend my deepest sympathy to you as I just lost my husband in May 2009 and know what you have ahead of you. I know there is not much that you can say at a time like this other than people do care and I hope and pray that you find peace in her passing to a much better place. I married John 2 weeks out of high school and I am lost without him. It will be a whole new world for all of you and I wish you all well. I would like to get up to the funeral home; however, I don&t think that I can make it. Please know that I am thinking of you all.

Karen Adams Lasley

Jeff & Matt,
John and I send to you our very deepest sympathy. We will be keeping you both in our thoughts and prayers.
God be with you all.
John & Sonn

Dear Jeff and Matt,
I am so sad to hear of your loss. Kathy was a great teacher and I fondly remember working with her at Cumberland. I learned a lot from her and I know the kids all loved her! I rarely saw Kathy but when I did she always asked about my girls and kept me posted on Matt and what he was doing. She was a very dedicated mother and teacher and I know you will miss her terribly. I hope your memories of her will get you through this very difficult time.

Kelly Curtis

There is a hole in my heart that will never be filled because
I will miss Kathy&s Kindness and Laughter.
Her friendship was so valued by me for all the years I knew
her. We shared many stories and now tears.
I have nothing but good memories of the times we spent together.
I am so sad. All of the words that people say at a time like this just
have no meaning. Together we will comfort each other.

Love,
Pam , Angela and Kyle

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.