Honoring Tradition.
Celebrating Life.

Kathryn "Kit" Post

October 12, 1928 - November 9, 2020
Grand Rapids, MI

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Life Story / Obituary


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In many ways, Kathryn “Kit” Post, through her independence and hard working demeanor, lived out of the norm compared to many women of her generation. A studious woman who found pleasure in crunching numbers, she lived a rather private, quiet life with family as her greatest joy. Although she never had children to call her own, her nieces and nephews were the delight of her life. Gone yet never to be forgotten are the treasured memories she leaves behind.

Kit’s story began in the year 1928. An exciting time in our nation’s history, the Roaring Twenties redefined the culture of America while the entertainment industry reached new heights. The discovery of Penicillin forever changed the field of medicine, and legendary baseball players set astounding records. Although the U.S. was on the brink of the Great Depression, a most welcome event in the lives of Ambrose and Cleo (Weber) Post was the October 12, 1928, birth of their little girl, Kathryn Jane.

Affectionately known as “Kit”, she was born in East Grand Rapids, Michigan at Blodgett Hospital and as the second oldest, she was raised in Grand Rapids alongside her two brothers, Joseph and David as well as her two sisters, Ruth “Midge” and Esther. Her father, Ambrose worked as a photo engraver for the then newspaper publication, The Grand Rapids Herald while her mother remained at home as a homemaker.

Life as many knew it wasn’t easy during the years of the Great Depression and Kit’s family was not exception, however, in 1933, her father managed to invest in some property on 4 Mile Road NW where he built his family a home. In fact, Kit came to reside there for nearly all of her days. The area was quite rural at the time where Kit and her siblings attended a one-room schoolhouse at Millpond School through the 8th grade. Always one to do well in her studies, she went on to graduate from Comstock Park High School with the Class of 1945.

Kit was raised in a family of faith. They were devoted members of Free Reformed Church on Scribner Avenue until the expressway was built in its place. For many years Kit was a member of Richmond Reformed Church until the last ten years of her life when she became a faithful member of Westend Christian Reformed Church.

Following high school, Kit went on to further her education. She studied English at Calvin College, graduating in 1949. A true numbers gal, Kit found great interest in numbers. While in school she began working at the Wurzburg Department Store offices and remained there for the next 22 years. She then landed a job with Steelcase in the accounting department, remaining there until eventually retiring. Kit absolutely loved crunching numbers and was very proficient in all she did.

An avid reader her whole life, Kit loved having a book, trade magazine or newspaper in her hand. She especially enjoyed learning about history, was always up on the latest financial news and faithfully read the Wall Street Journal for many years. She also took an interest in politics.

Through the years delightful memories were made and enjoyed at their summer cottage on Crystal Lake in Beulah, Michigan. Together with her family, numerous fun-filled times were shared there relaxing and enjoying the weather. In addition to reading, Kit had many other interests, as well. For several summers over the years, she and her sister, Midge would head out West to spend time on a Dude Ranch which they thoroughly enjoyed. She and Midge lived together in their family home and together enjoyed taking in all four of the Michigan seasons that surrounded them on the family property. It should be noted that they kept this historic home and property in impeccable condition. Kit loved cooking for the two of them and learned to make many tasty treats and delicious meals. They always maintained a beautiful flower garden and Kit especially loved the sweet fragrance of her peonies that came up each year in abundance. When it came to her home, Kit liked everything in its place, and she was never fond of driving.

In her free time, Kit was very interested in learning about her family genealogy. Although she never cared much for animals, she did enjoy watching the Westminster Dog Show every year on television. Many memorable holidays and other special occasions were enjoyed throughout the years but Kit truly enjoyed decorating their home for the Christmas holiday every year. For 15 years she was a devoted volunteer at the Grand Rapids Public library and for over 50 years, Kit and her sister were season ticket holders at the DeVos Performance Center, Row 2 of the Mezzanine, seats 5 and 6 from the left! They absolutely loved the Grand Rapids Symphony and all it had to offer. They also enjoyed attending operas at the theatre.

Kit enjoyed a good, fulfilling life. Although a very private woman, she lived by quiet faith in all she said and did. As the years wore on, just this past summer it was determined Kit would do well with her need for more care. Even though she didn’t like being away from the security and familiarity of her longtime home, she moved to Vista Springs Lodge for the memory care she needed, spending the remainder of her days there. A woman of substance, there were many things throughout her life that brought Kit Post comfort and joy. Although she will be dearly missed, her memory lives on in those who knew her best.

Kathryn “Kit” J. Post age 92, of Grand Rapids, passed away Monday, November 9, 2020. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Joseph (Joellen) Post and brother-in-law, George A. Erhart. She is survived by her siblings, Ruth L. Post of Grand Rapids, David (Lois) Post of Bethlehem, PA and Esther (Post) Erhart of Rockford, MI; nieces, Betsy (Steve) Diamond of Barrington, IL, Debra Post of Fair Haven, NJ and Karen (Al Sanchez) Post of Denver, CO; several great-nieces and nephews. The family thanks the care staff at Vista Springs Lodge and Emmanuel Hospice for the care and compassion shown to Kit. A private family graveside will take place at Fairplains Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to Westend Christian Reformed Church Audio/Visual Upgrades, 1015 Westend Avenue NW. Please visit www.heritagelifestory.com to share a favorite memory or photo of Kit and to sign her online guest book.

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