Katherine Jane Ogden

Katherine Jane Ogden, nee Zimmerman, age 82 of Homewood, passed away unexpectedly on November 11, 2024.  Beloved mother to Amy (Phil) Dillman and John (Andrea) as well as her two cats, Rozie and Lily, she was preceded in death by her parents George and Lucille (Agnew) Zimmerman, her brother Skip, and her husband Jim.

Kathie was born in Harvey and was a lifelong resident of Homewood.  She graduated from Thornton Township High School followed by Michigan State University, where she met her husband whom she married on August 14, 1965.

She was a career elementary/middle school teacher and in later years a library/media center director in various districts including Homewood, Flossmoor, Steger, Matteson, and Calumet City, and furthered her own education by earning a Master's Degree in library sciences from Chicago State University.

Kathie was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church of Homewood and later joined Flossmoor Community Church, was a member of both church choirs as well as the South Holland Master Chorale with her daughter, and was also a member of the Homewood Baseball Board for several years.

Over the years, she enjoyed taking trips to locations across North America and Europe with a group of teaching peers, seeing local theater performances and plays with a group of close friends, and she looked forward to an annual family gathering in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.  She was a music lover and avid reader, was still active in a book club with friends, and for many years played Bridge.

A die-hard Michigan State Spartan and Chicago Cubs fan, Kathie enjoyed watching her teams play on TV and over the years could often be found at local baseball games supporting the kids on the teams her son coached at Izaak Walton and across the south suburban area, including most recently at Homewood-Flossmoor High School.

She was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all.

To honor her memory, a visitation will be held on Friday, November 22 from 3:00-7:00 at the Tews-Ryan Funeral Home, 18230 Dixie Highway, Homewood, with a brief service to follow at 7:00. For further information please contact tews-ryanfh.com or call 708-798-5300