Kathy Huck

Mary Kathleen Huck Obituary

Mary Kathleen Huck — Beloved Wife, Cherished Mom, Memaw/Grandma, Cousin, Clinical Laboratory Scientist/Educator/Mentor, and Lifelong Friend to Many

Mary Kathleen (“Kathy”) Huck, 77, of Greenwood, Indiana, passed away on May 5, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana surrounded by her loving family and dearest friends. She was born on October 20, 1948, in Vincennes, Indiana, to the late Lovic Benjamin (LB) & Edna Marie Ponder.

Kathy was a devoted daughter, cousin, wife, mother, grandmother, an esteemed Clinical Laboratory Scientist and educator, and a cherished close friend to many throughout her beautiful life. Kathy’s time on earth was marked by unwavering commitment, both professionally and personally, and a gentle guiding spirit that touched the lives of many.

Kathy’s educational journey reflected her deep passion for continuous learning. She completed her high school education at St. Rose Academy in Vincennes, graduating in 1966. Her thirst for knowledge led her to Vincennes University where she graduated in 1968 and Indiana State University in 1970 where she earned her Bachelor of Science undergraduate degree in Biology. This foundation propelled her onward to the St. Vincent School of Medical Technology in 1970 where she earned her medical technology certification in 1971 after passing her boards. While working full-time and raising her family, she later went on to proudly achieve her Master of Science degree in Allied Health Education from Indiana University while also obtaining her Specialist in Blood Banking Technology, SBB(ASCP) certification.

Kathy began her professional career for a few years at St. Vincent Hospital Clinical Laboratory, but it was with Franciscan Health (St. Francis Hospital) Clinical Laboratory on July 3, 1972, that she found her true professional home. She devoted over 4 decades of her life to the field of medical technology (clinical laboratory science) at St. Francis, a career distinguished by her passionate dedication and deep expertise. For 46 years, Kathy served patients, hospital staff, students, and laboratory colleagues across the Clinical Laboratories at the Beech Grove, Indianapolis, and Mooresville campuses. After her initial retirement, the hospital asked her to return to work for three and half years, with her final retirement on June 28, 2018. Her work was characterized by precision, compassion, and a collaborative spirit, much like the consummate diplomatic grace she inherited from her own great-grandmother, Kate Allen Bishop.

At St. Francis Hospital Beech Grove Clinical Laboratory, she initially worked in the Chemistry department and transitioned to the Blood Bank department for 16 years. She instructed students in transfusion medicine in the hospital’s Medical Technology (Clinical Laboratory Scientist) 12-month internship program and then had the opportunity to become the school’s Program Director. The school prepared students in their final year of a baccalaureate degree program at an affiliate college/university, or those with a bachelor’s degree, with theoretical and practical training to work in a clinical laboratory setting. She continued instructing students in transfusion medicine and laboratory management. Kathy shaped and altered the course of hundreds of students’ lives in positive ways, both professional and personally. Several former students, such as Dave Rauh, Valarie Zufall, and Kathleen Johnson commented that they are who they are in life because of Kathy. She became the Laboratory Director for the St. Francis Hospital laboratory campuses for several years. Her final role was as the Point of Care Testing (POCT) Coordinator for the three campuses where she provided education to nursing, physicians, respiratory care, radiology, and oversaw IT software interfaces, federal regulations, and maintained all devices, a role that was her favorite along with the Program Director position. She believed in the mission of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, loved educating students, mentoring, and supporting those who were in direct care of the patients. She volunteered for decades as a peer College of American Pathologist laboratory inspector for hospital systems across the United States.

During college, Kathy and Tom met on New Year’s Eve on a blind date and soon fell in love and were married September 30, 1970. They were blessed with the gift of their daughter, Erin, on March 4, 1973.

Kathy was a devout Catholic, finding solace in her faith. She and Tom became members of St. Barnabas Catholic Church on October 1, 1970, and often volunteered in a variety of ministries; she found her gift of service in being an extraordinary eucharistic minister as a true calling being able to bring Jesus to those in need and a Christ Renews His Parish member. She expressed more than once how blessed she was to be at peace as her life was nearing an end, as she lived a quality life, worked hard, had many fantastic world-wide experiences, was grateful that her wonderful family and friends loved her, and she had a firm belief in her final resting place in God’s heavenly kingdom. She found solace in the Blessed Mother in her final months.

Some of her favorite childhood memories were spending time with her parents at their restaurant, the Jewel Café, then playing badminton and football in the backyard when they moved into their new home, and learning euchre at the VU Union. Kathy was a Broadway play and concert aficionado; attended the Indianapolis 500 for over 20 years with Erin, Jeffrey (Jeff), and their friends; was a running and trail cycling enthusiast with her friends; was a self-taught jewelry and rosary maker in later years – this brought her much relaxation; and she loved listening to the Bee Gees. Beyond her career and family devotion, she had a lifetime passion for sports. She loved her St. Louis Cardinals, met Stan Musial, and her parents brought her to his last baseball game on September 29, 1963, at Sportsman’s Park (Busch Stadium). Her loving parents also took her to Indiana University football games, starting at age 7. She held a lifelong love and was a die-hard fan attending in person for an extraordinary seventy years and witnessed a dream come true in this past 2025-26 season. She went to the games through the years with her parents, dear friend Sue Rogers, Erin, Kathleen (“KJ”), and granddaughter, Alexa (Lexi). Last season, she attended the home opener and the Big Ten Championship game. Her love for sports was matched only by her fond trips to visit family in Madison, Georgia, and Vincennes, Indiana, where memories and bonds flourished. Kathy cherished vacations and traveled extensively – with her parents out West, with Tom to Hawaii, Alaska, Colorado, Arizona, and the Great Smoky Mountains; Tybee Island with Erin and granddaughters; girls trips in the US with Janice Fitzharris, KJ, and Shree Warner; Kelleys Island and Put-in- Bay Island with KJ’s parents (Robert and Edith) and sister (Christina); driving weeks out West/Canada to 7 national parks; to Italy on girls trip with KJ’s mother and sister, especially where she was able to meditate at the shrine of St Francis of Assisi in Assisi, Italy; 3 weeks in her beloved Ireland and England with KJ; and stays in Brown County with KJ, Erin, and granddaughters. Her favorite places were Estes Park, Colorado in Rocky Mountain National Park and Ireland where the mountains and valleys called her by name.

While Kathy was never a boastful and proud women, she always said her proudest accomplishment on this earth was having Erin, the love of her life. She loved her one-on-one time together with her. She adored her son-in-law, Jeff, and her two granddaughters, Lexi and Danica Keller and always appreciated Jeff’s family treating her so special through the years. She embraced and soaked in the special Keller and Johnson family gatherings. Those who knew Kathy will remember not only her professional accomplishments but also the warmth and generosity that defined her. As a devoted mother and grandmother, Kathy’s pride and joy were evident in her beloved daughter, Erin, and Lexi and Danica. She embraced motherhood wholeheartedly and was regarded as the best Mom and Grandma/Memaw ever by those closest to her. Kathy’s loyalty as a friend was steadfast; she felt blessed to have the best friends who came into her life just when she needed them the most from Sally Snyder in Vincennes, Susan Rogers at Indiana State and St. Francis Beech Grove, Susan Rolfsen in medical technology school, and Kathleen Johnson for the last many decades. She was always seen by all as a giver who prioritized the well-being of those around her, embodying kindness and God’s love in its purest form. Kathy was a passionate animal lover and affectionately recalled her favorite cat, Sam, and dachshunds, George, and favorite litter mates Barry and Shelby Sue.

Kathy is survived by her loving daughter; Erin (Jeff) Keller and her granddaughters; Lexi and Danica Keller. She is also survived by her dearest friend Kathleen (Kathy–“KJ”) Johnson.

Kathy is preceded in death by her loving husband; Thomas R. Huck; parents LB and Edna Ponder; in-laws Henry and Dorothy Huck; sister-in-law, Diana Huck; dear friend, Susan Rogers; and lifelong family friends, John and Barbara Scheib.

Visitation will be held at O’Riley-Branson Funeral Service & Crematory on Friday, May 15, 2026, where family and friends may call from 4:00-7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Barnabas Catholic Church (Indianapolis) at 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 16, 2026, with Rev. James Farrell celebrant, Rev. Showreddy Thirumalareddy concelebrant, and assisted by Deacon Patrick Bower with visitation 12:00-1:00 PM one hour prior at the church. Rite of Committal will be immediately following at Calvary Cemetery. The St. Barnabas Community and Huck / Keller family invite family and friends to a luncheon upon their return from the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Kathy’s memory may be made to:

The Tom Huck Discover the Outdoors Fund — Indiana Natural Resources Foundation, 402 W. Washington, Rm W256, Indianapolis, IN, 46204 or:

www.IndianaNRF.org. Include “In Memory of Kathy Huck” in the “In Memory of” line.

St. Barnabas Catholic Church — 8300 Rahke Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46217 or:

https://giving.parishsoft.com/app/giving/FD-926. Include “In Memory of Kathy Huck” in “Note”.

Best Friends Animal Society — 5001 Angel Canyon Rd, Kanab, UT 84741 or:

www.bestfriends.org. Include “In Memory of Kathy Huck” in “Dedicate this donation”.

Kathy Huck was a truly remarkable and beautiful person, and her absence will be deeply felt by countless people. She leaves behind a legacy of dedication, faith, love, and kindness. Her life’s story is one of steadfast commitments to education, a remarkable professional career that spanned decades and an enduring devotion to her dear family and friends. Though she has departed from this world too soon, the impact of her spirit will continue to be felt in the hearts of those who were privileged to know her.

Her memory will live on as a testament to a life beautifully lived—full of purpose, passion, and profound love.

Please visit www.orileybranson.com to leave a memory of Kathy or to sign our online guest book.