Obituary of Vernette Kathleen Kish

Vernette Kathleen Kish passed away on Nov. 1, 2012 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Kathy, as she was known to everyone, was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 19, 1946 to Walter and Vernette Michanco. Kathy is survived by her beloved husband of almost 40 years, Michael G. Kish. She is also survived by her mother, Vernette Michanco, her sisters Barbara Phelps and Mary Michanco and her brothers Robert and Leo Michanco along with nieces Jennifer Johnson, Kristen Phelps, and Paige Michanco, and her nephews Matthew Phelps, Wade Michanco, Chris Michanco, Ryan Michanco, Nick Michanco, Shawn MIchanco and Scott Michanco. Kathy also was a Great Aunt to Kyleah Parker and Kayleigh and Cameron Johnson. Kathy was preceded in death by her father, Walter and her brother, Walt "Butch" Michanco. Kathy grew up in Illinois before moving to Virginia in 1964 with her family. Kathy worked for the US Government after her high school graduation. She than became an administrative secretary for the National Association of Letter Carriers where she retired from a little over 10 years ago. She continued to keep in touch with many coworkers from NALC. Kathy was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church from 1964 until she and Michael moved to Georgia. She taught religion for a number of years until her marriage to Michael in December of 1972. Upon retirement, Kathy and Michael moved to Hiram, Georgia. While Kathy and Michael did not have children of their own, they became "adoptive parents and grandparents to their new neighbors in Hiram, Leigh Ann, her two daughters, and Steve, Leigh Ann's new husband. She became an avid Atlanta Braves fan and family knew not to call her when there was a Braves game taking place! Kathy had many interests such as raising her numerous cats, gardening, and quilting. She shared her handmade quilts with her brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. Kathy also is known for her large "beanie baby" collection. Although Kathy spent the last ten years in Georgia, she kept in touch with her family and friends in Virginia with her weekly phone conversations with her mother. She would return to Virginia for the holidays and whenever she could to visit family and friends such as Jerri and Sue. On one such visit, Kathy, Mary and Barbara took their mother shopping and spent a fun time trying on hats reminiscent of the hats Vernette wore as the girls were growing up. It was a favorite memory the girls often reminded their mom about and threatened to take her hat shopping again!