Kitty Johnson
April 22, 1931 ~ October 3, 2024
Katherine “Kitty” Johnson, 93, of Highmore, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at Highmore Health.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the United Methodist Church, with Rev. Allison Galbreath and Roger Day officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by burial at the Highmore Cemetery.
Kitty was born on April 22, 1931, to Bill and Marie (Ringham) Burdick in Volga, South Dakota. After her family moved to Arlington, she came to Highmore to continue her education. After graduating, she worked in her uncle’s ice cream shop, where she met the love of her life, Duane, who ordered a lime sherbet malt with chocolate syrup—an unusual choice that made a lasting impression. They married in 1951 and enjoyed many wonderful years together.
Kitty and Duane farmed near Holabird until 1969 before moving to Highmore, where Duane began his career as the Hyde County Register of Deeds. Kitty worked at Gene and Betty Davis's clothing store before becoming a beloved teacher’s aide at several country schools in Hyde County and later at Highmore School. With over 40 years in education, she was affectionately known as “Miss Kitty” by her students.
An avid reader, Kitty enjoyed puzzles, playing cards, and games with friends at Highmore Manor and the Senior Center. She cherished her special group of teacher friends, the “Ya, Yas,” who celebrated birthdays together. Kitty was also an excellent seamstress.
A lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, she devoted many years to teaching Sunday school and was an active member of the Eastern Star.
Kitty is survived by her sister, Carol Kessel of Spearfish; her brother, Bill Burdick of Mitchell; many nieces and nephews; and her dear friends: Myrna Hall, Janna Larson, and Marilyn Kutz, who brought joy to her life.
She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Duane; her parents, Bill and Marie Burdick; brothers: Red, Bruno, and Donny Burdick; sister, Bernice Seitz; brothers-in-law, Lloyd Kessel and Keith Seitz; three nephews: Adam Burdick, Mike Burdick, and Jeff Seitz; and one niece, Annis Schaeffer.
Kitty's loving spirit and dedication to education and community will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Kitty's arrangements.
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I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Kitty! I got to know Kitty when I lived in Highmore for a short period of time. What a delight she was. We became friends and I always enjoyed visiting with her. She will be missed by me and many others. May God give you peace and comfort 🙏🙏
Ms. Kitty was an aid at Pratt country school when I was there. She was a favorite teacher and was very crafty also. She will be dearly missed.
Our sincere sympathy to Kittys family. We appreciated Kitty and Duane when we were Miller Rexall Drug owners—they would diligently deliver prescriptions to our clients in Highmore. May your good memories and Gods love and grace bring you peace. ❤️❤️Sincerely, H&K
So sad to hear of Kitty's death. We had good times for many years. She was a great friend.
So sorry to hear of Kitty's passing. She was a very kind and,caring lady.
My Deepest Sympathy to her family. Jane
So many good memories of our times together. The laughter, the games and the great food-especially your goldbricks. You will so be missed.
A dear friend, a wonderful person. I don’t have a single childhood memory that doesn’t include her. I was happy to spend many visits with her while my dad was in PT the last couple years because I knew we would always have a good laugh. I was glad to be able to share with her how special she was and how much we loved her! ❤️
Words can’t express a best friend in the whole word is gone. I met Kitty and Duane when they moved to a farm close to our Brady farm. She was an interval part of my and my children’s life. I was always glad to see her and hear her great laugh. Love you Kitty😭