Kathryn “Katie” Nadine Weckel passed away on August 23, 2020, at Presbyterian Manor in Salina, Kansas after a lengthy illness. Katie will be remembered as a loving wife of 69 years to Judge John Weckel, mother to her daughters: Sarah (Fred) Hays and Stephanie (Betsy Marietta). She adored her grandchildren: Ryan Hays of New York City and Nicholas Hays (Caycee) of Lincoln, Nebraska. She lived to see her only great grandchild, Harrison A. Hays.

Katie was born September 18, 1928 and raised in Salina by Nels and Adina Johnson. She lived in Salina most of her life. In 1951, she married John E. Weckel, also a lifelong Salina resident. Together they graduated from Kansas Wesleyan University where they were on the debate team. She was a dedicated teacher having taught in Wamego, Topeka and Salina, Kansas, impacting the lives of hundreds of students. She is especially remembered for her time at St. John’s Military School in Salina. Katie will long be remembered for her many diverse activities. She was an excellent cook, an accomplished home decorator, and a wonderful seamstress. She was active in many organizations including Helianthus, Twentieth Century and PEO.

She is perhaps best known as a Master Gardener, who graduated with the first master gardener class when it was reestablished in Salina. She went on to become its first volunteer coordinator serving four years in this position. Their first project was to convert the Kenwood Park composting site to the Kenwood Park Demonstration Garden. She was also one of the founders of the Saline County Horticulture Club. Katie always had one of the prettiest gardens in Salina and won scores of blue ribbons at gardening competitions. She was always willing to share her extensive knowledge with novice gardeners.

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Salina. The family would like to extend their appreciation to everyone who cared for Katie during her illness including Linda Phelps, Tony Pollock, and all the wonderful caregivers at Presbyterian Manor.

Memorial service will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 22, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church, Salina.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions to the Employee Christmas Fund at Presbyterian Manor or to Kansas Wesleyan University Scholarship Fund, in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 North 8th, Salina 67401.