Cathy Diane (Whitaker) Fann

Cathy Diane (Whitaker) Fann was born May 17, 1958, in Rolla, Missouri, to her parents Freddie and Betty (White) Whitaker. She grew up and built her life in Salem, Missouri. Cathy graduated from Salem High School class of 1976. Cathy was united in marriage to John Fann, August 18, 2012. They created many lasting memories and loved every adventure they had together. Cathy and John shared seven children: Candi, Christi, Chelsi, Kayla, John, Jesse, and Jami. Cathy was a career hair stylist who worked over the years at many beauty shops around Salem before becoming the owner of The Looking Glass Salon. She treasured her weekly ladies’ visits and loved the time they spent together each week telling stories and sharing memories. Cathy’s life revolved around her family who she loved unconditionally. She cherished hosting all family events at her house, including holidays, birthdays, and nights at the cabin. It didn’t matter what occasion was being celebrated or what cards were being played as long as all of the family were there with her. She attended as many of her grandchildren’s events and programs as possible. Ball games could get a little heated at times when Mema Cathy was on the sidelines. She might not have understood everything that was going on, but she would get excited and a little opinionated if a call was made against one of her grandbabies. One of Cathy’s favorite things to do was going for a ride on the bike with her husband and stopping at the Harley-Davidson shops (which was one of the only stores where she would not put items back, she would even buy display pieces if necessary). Cathy and John rode their Harley to several different places, she was always ready to hit the road for a new adventure. If her days were not spent on the back of the bike you could find her in her lawn chair around a campfire at the lake surrounded by family and friends. Cathy’s dogs Jax and Jade were her faithful companions that could do no wrong. Cathy’s children would be quick to tell you that, at times, Jax and Jade ranked over them. Cathy was a woman of faith and put the Lord first in every aspect of her life. She confessed a hope in Jesus Christ and was baptized at Oak Grove Baptist Church by Pastor John Smith. She had attended many different churches over the years and was a current member of Walking Faith Ministries. Cathy entered eternal rest on September 16, 2024, in Salem, Missouri, at the age of sixty-six years surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her loving husband: John Fann of Salem, MO; children: Candi Mink and husband Brian of Salem, MO, Christi Early and husband Brent of Nixa, MO, Chelsi Bluhm and husband Nick of Salem, MO, Kayla Fann and husband John of Salem, MO, Jesse Fann and wife Beth of Florida, Jami Fann of Salem, MO; mother: Betty Whitaker of Salem, MO; brother: Freddie Whitaker JR of Salem, MO; grandchildren: Ashton, Layton, and Colton Mink, Brandon and Jovee, Matthew and Zoey Early, Keya and Nena Bluhm, Katelynn, Kelsie, and John Fann, Laela, Konnor, Kole, and Willow Fann, and Brayleigh Reed; father and mother-in-law: Dan and Luciell Riley of Jadwin, MO; as well as several nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends Preceding her in death were her father: Freddie Whitaker SR; grandparents: Willard and Opal White, Estel Whitaker and Thelma Welchel; and brother-in-law: Ronald Fann. Cathy was beautiful inside and out. She was kind natured, caring, heartwarming, compassionate, and always fun to be around. She filled the hearts and touched the lives of everyone around her. Cathy will be forever missed by those who loved her most. Funeral Services for Cathy Diane (Whitaker) Fann were held Monday, September 23, 2024, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Pastor Ronnie Parker and Pastor Tom Wisdom officiating. Special Music was provided by Lisa Wulff singing “Scars In Heaven”. Additional song selections played were “Lead Me Home” and “Supermarket Flowers”. Serving as Pallbearers were Dominic Berry, Brian Glenn, Scott Mendenhall, Dale Fann, Randy Clayton, and Mark Kocurek. Honorary Pallbearers were Brian Mink, Brent Early, John Fann, Carl Flint, Nick Bluhm, Jimmy Whitaker, and Simon Gordon. Burial was in the Jadwin Cemetery, Jadwin, Missouri. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Condolences may be left online at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Cathy Diane (Whitaker) Fann

May 17, 1958 - September 16, 2024