Catherine "Cathie" Wright

Catherine “Cathie” R. Wright, 75, of Wichita, KS, died on May 12, 2023. Though her grandchildren (and later the world) called her Honey, she wasn’t afraid to be a little spicy - quick with a clever comment, and always a dash of sass. Even as as she took on a tough cancer diagnosis, she did it in her own way, making her own decisions, following no one’s recipe but her own. She was born to Virginia Yingling on June 5, 1947 in Winslow, Arizona. She was raised by a single mother with the help of her grandparents, which perhaps contributed to her feisty nature and independent spirit. She graduated from Wichita Southeast, where she met Terry Wright on a blind date in 1963. They were married on July 23, 1966 in Wichita, KS. Together they raised 2 children: Christopher Sean Wright and Tracy Mishelle Leopold. A homemaker, she shuttled her kids to every activity and event - a precursor to her later years when she would refer to herself as the Honey Taxi for her grandkids. Although she was sure to tell you this was not always the case and the result of trial and many errors, she became a talented cook known for hosting huge family Thanksgivings where all were welcome - even an unexpected guest with no family plans of their own. She could be spotted in the kitchen for almost every moment of a family function, except for cleanup, when it was time for someone else to contribute (usually her children and their cousins). Over the years, she passed down recipes, advice, stories and sarcasm to anyone who would help her out in the kitchen. Many of the world’s problems were solved over vegetable chopping and potato peeling. Cathie is survived by Christopher & Stephanie Wright, son and daughter-in-law, Tracy & Brian Leopold, daughter and son-in-law, and grandchildren Kevin Wright, Katlyn Wright, Baylee Ladner, Grace Leopold, Ally Leopold, and Jacob Wright. She was preceded in death by Terry Wright, husband, Virginia R. Carter Yingling, mother, Nick Carter, brother, Henry & Clara Bowman, grandparents. The funeral is scheduled for May 18 at 10:00 AM at Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Wichita. An open house will follow for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Quilts of Valor (P.O. Box 771452, Wichita, KS 67277) or Retain Foundation (414 S. Roosevelt, Wichita, KS 67218).