Cathleen M. Durham

Cathleen M. Durham, a remarkable individual whose life was a testament to faith in God and service to others, has peacefully gone home to be with the Lord on September 27, 2025, at the age of 96. Born on May 22, 1929, in Mitchell, South Dakota, Cathleen's journey was marked by an enduring dedication to God, her family, her church, and her community.Cathleen was a graduate of Columbia High School in 1948 and further pursued her education by earning her bachelor’s degree in home economics from Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington. This foundation in education paved the way for a life richly filled with service and leadership. For 18 years, she served as a missionary in the Philippines, where her love for children flourished as she shared Bible stories with them, often using chalk drawings to capture their imaginations and instill the Truth of the Word.Cathleen contributed as the Dean of Women at Baptist Bible Seminary and Institute for eight years, a role in which she impacted countless students with her guidance and nurturing spirit. Her involvement extended into her Stateside local church community, where she served numerous years as the social chairman for Grace Baptist Church, organizing many church dinners that brought people together in fellowship and joy.A faithful prayer warrior, Cathleen's devotion to her faith was steadfast, and her commitment to praying together with her husband Richard for others, deeply touched the lives of many. Their prayer list had so many categories and was so long, it was divided up by all the days of the week, and took more than a walk to finish. Alongside her husband, she cherished the simple yet meaningful moments of memorizing scripture as well while taking these daily walks together, demonstrating their dedication to nurturing their own spiritual growth, as well as their commitment to supporting with prayer the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ.Cathleen possessed extraordinary skills as a seamstress, famously crafting homemade Christmas pajamas for her entire family, each stitch a reflection of her love and care for those she held dear. Her family, including her daughters Deborah Durham Lough and Rebecca Durham Thompson Frederick, son, David Durham, and grandchildren Lisa (Andrew) Johnson, Joshua (Laura) Lough, Jeff (Joy) Durham, Melissa (Rex) Clements, Sarah (Quinton) Woodmansee, Christopher Thompson, Tara Thompson, and Jennifer (J.C.) Moon, were all blessed to experience her care, creativity, and support. Cathleen was not only a mother and grandmother but also a loving great-grandmother, proudly welcoming Jaden, Jacob, Joshua Dalmaine, Luca, Ari, Finn, Savannah, Trinity, Luke, Liam, Cosette, Alicia, and Rheanna into her family, each child a recipient of her joyful love and nurturing spirit. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 41 years, Richard Durham, her son, David Durham, her son-in-law, Jeffrey Lough, her parents, Harold and Mae Kendall, and her brothers Harold Kendall Jr. and Lyle Kendall. All had a profound influence on her life and today she joyfully walks with her Savior and all who have gone before her, now reunited on streets of gold. In the hearts of her family and all those she touched throughout her incredible journey, Cathleen Durham will forever be remembered as a woman of faith, service, and strength. Her legacy of devotion to God, her family, and her community will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her. We fondly salute ‘The General’.