Obituary of Catherine Elaine Hawkins

Catherine Elaine “Cathy” Hawkins passed away on September 12, 2018, at home in Olympia, Washington. She was 73.

Born Catherine Elaine Centers on July 21, 1945 to Theodore and Sylvia (Basham) Centers at home at Farley Hill, West Virginia, she joined a large and loving family that already included two older brothers, with a younger brother and sister to follow a few years later.

Cathy was preceded in death by her second husband, William Melvin Hawkins, Jr. in 2009.

Cathy is survived by her adoptive mother, Vera “Lalie” Price, of Olympia; son, Marlyn Kyle of Las Vegas, Nevada, and his wife, Traci; her daughter, Deana Kyle of Tenino, Washington, and her husband, Sandifer; her brothers, Ted Centers and his wife, Diane, of Woodbridge, Virginia, Ed Centers and his wife, Gina, of Oldsmar, Florida, Jack Centers of Stafford, Virginia; and sister, Judy Dingus, and her husband, Randy, of King George, Virginia. Cathy leaves behind 14 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Cathy owned and operated Tumwater Travel Agency in Tumwater, Washington for many years, meeting many people and developing close friendships.

She graduated from Lacey Beauty & Barber College in 2003 and opened The Barber Shop & Co. in Olympia in 2004, later purchasing the Southgate Barber Shop in Tumwater in 2007.

Cathy’s dedication to customer service spanned decades, with many of her travel agency customers following her into her barbering career and continuing to be her customers. Her daughter, Deana, and oldest grandson, Alex, followed her into the family business as barbers, establishing a solid business name in the Olympia and Tumwater area.

A memorial service for Catherine will be held Saturday, October 20, 2018, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 600 Overhulse Road NW, Olympia, WA 98502, with inurnment to follow from 12:00 p.m. -12:30 p.m. at Mills & Mills Memorial Park, 5725 Littlerock Road SW, Tumwater, WA 98512.