Katherine "Kitty" Hannabass

Mrs. Katherine "Kitty" Tootle Hannabass of Springfield passed away peacefully on November 12, 2016 at the age of 87.

Kitty is survived by her sister: Lillian "Linnie" Hickey of Ocala, FL, and her children: Lillian Trettin (Carl) of Mount Pleasant, SC, H. Hayden Hannabass III (Tommie Jean) of Lakeland, FL, Katherine Penney (Jeff) of Saltillo, MS, Julia Woodward (Barry) of Sheridan, WY, and Walt Hannabass (Beth) of Springfield, TN.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: James Hannabass, Dylan Trettin, Casey Penney, Kyle Trettin, Rachel Hannabass, Jesse Penney, Hillary Slabaugh, Katy Penney, and Marley Hannabass and her great-grandchildren: Hayden and Sterling Hannabass and Eliza and Amelia Penney. She is preceded in death by her husband, Howard Hayden Hannabass, Jr. her sister, Mildred "Happy" Beever, and her parents, William and Mildred Tootle.

Kitty was born on July 7, 1929 in St. Joseph, MO, to William and Mildred Tootle. She graduated from Hollins College and received her Master of Arts in English from East Tennessee State University. She married H. Hayden Hannabass, Jr. in 1950. After moving to Kingsport, TN, they started a family together. From 1954-1961, the couple welcomed 5 children into their home and Kitty set about teaching and caring for them. Her children remember her as a sweet and nurturing mother who loved them unconditionally.

Kitty was an accomplished artist and often exhibited her artwork on Mackinac Island, MI, her summer home. She was a generous individual who loved knitting and sewing and would often donate the items she created to numerous charitable causes. Music was also a passion for Kitty, and she often sang in the choir at church and played the piano for her family. She was an affiliate member of First United Methodist Church in Springfield, TN and a deaconess at Trinity Episcopal Church on Mackinac Island, MI.

A memorial service is scheduled for 12:00 noon on Friday, November 18, 2016 at First United Methodist Church in Springfield, TN., with visitation beginning at 11:00. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Kitty Hannabass's life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First United Methodist Church of Springfield. All donations may be sent in care of the Robertson County Funeral Home, 2201 Memorial Blvd. Springfield, TN 37172