Kathryn Bucher

Kathryn Ellen Hostetter Bucher, 91, of Harman, WV died March 16, 2016 at Cortland Acres Nursing Home in Thomas, WV. She was born March 18, 1924 in Harrisonburg, VA, a daughter of the late D. Ralph and Kathryn E. Hostetter. On August 13, 1988 she married Dr. Samuel J. Bucher, who preceded her in death May 21, 2010. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her only sister, Elizabeth Louise Hostetter, and step-great-granddaughter, Nora Lynn Myers. She is survived by two stepdaughters, Sarah Ellen Myers and husband Herb, Harman, WV and Mary Beth Lind and husband Lester, Philippi, WV, two stepsons, Samuel Jonathon Bucher and wife, Ester, Alberta, Canada, and Joseph Daniel Bucher and wife Judy, Harman, WV, 7 step-grandchildren, and 14 step-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Bucher was a nurse. She graduated from Rockingham Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and received a BS degree in nursing from Eastern Mennonite College (University). In addition to working at Mountain Clinic in Harman for 30 years; she worked as a nurse in several states and two continents. She loved to travel and visited all 50 states, 5 Canadian provinces, and 24 countries. She loved nature, especially wild flowers and birds. She actively participated in the West Virginia Wildflower Pilgrimage at Blackwater Falls State Park for over 30 years. She was a member of Mennonite Nurses Association for over 30 years and served as the organization’s treasurer for 11 years. In 1984 she was honored as their nurse of the year. The honor recognized her gentle, courteous, caring, and efficient nature. She maintained contact with friends local and around the world by sending many cards and letters. She was a member of the Randolph County Extension Homemaker and served as vice president. She also volunteered with Randolph County Tygart Affiliate of Literacy Volunteers of America and at the Harman Senior Center doing blood pressure checks monthly. Mrs. Bucher was a member of the Mennonite Church serving as song leader and Sunday School Teacher. She sang with the Community Church Choir and played the piano, a skill her father taught her. Burial prior to a memorial service which will be held Saturday, March 19, from 12 noon – 1 PM, the service hour with Rev.Roy Good officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cortland Foundation, 39 Cortland Acres Lane, Thomas, WV 26292, or Mennonite Central Committee 21 S. 12th St. PO Box 500, Akron, PA 17501 Hinkle Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.hinklefuneralhome.com