Kathryn Marie ‘Coco’ Halter

Kathryn Marie “Coco” Halter, 97, of Anna, died at 7:40 p.m. Monday, March 4, 2024, at her home.

She was delivered by her grandfather, Dr. Thomas Lee Haney, on Sept. 21, 1926, in Park Hills, Mo.,  on a full moon. Originally from Detroit, Mich. She was the daughter of Ralph Simpson and Ruby Elizabeth Smith Haney of Cape Girardeau. Both precede her in final rest. 

She also was preceded in death by her sisters, Colleen (John) Reading of Aldie, Va., Shirl R. (William) Cunningham of Anna, Elizabeth J “Betty” (“Mac”) McClanahan and Mary Sue Newell (Robert) of Fairview Heights. Her husband, William Halter I, also precedes her in final rest.

Kathryn was joined in holy matrimony to William Joseph Halter on June 24, 1954, at St. Mary’s Cathedral, in Cape Girardeau, where she graduated from St. Mary’s High (Notre Dame) 1944. They relocated to Anna in the summer of 1954 for their careers. They were married 63 years, 3 months, 19 days. 

She was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Anna for 68 years and participated in the sewing group. Her hobbies included knitting, gardening, sewing and cooking. 

She graduated Saint Mary’s High in Cape Girardeau in 1944. She was athletically active in tennis and golf, and was in the Cadet Nurse Corps. She attended DePaul School of Nursing in St. Louis. She excelled as number three RN in her class and was the graduating class secretary for the year 1947. 

She was a member of the U.S. Nursing Corps and Red Cross, where she taught. She later received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of St. Francis in Joliet.

She started her nursing career in 1947 at St. John’s Hospital in St. Louis. Moving up the ranks to assistant head nurse. In 1948 she relocated to New Orleans, La., where she worked at Hotel Dieu Hospital as a private nurse until 1950. Then moving back to Cape to work at Old St. Francis Hospital as head nurse until 1954. 

After her marriage she relocated to Anna and was head nurse at Union County Hospital until 1960. Later, having transferred to Choate in Anna, then retiring in 1987. She worked after retirement at Saint Francis Hospital in Cape Girardeau until 2000. 

She enjoyed her winter months in South Padre Island, Texas, for 34 years of “glorious sunsets” from the balcony overlooking the bay. Endless parties and seafood were her world. Trips into Mexico were huge perks, too. 

She was a prolific traveler, which suited her quest as navigator for adventure with “Bill.” 

She was an early stockholder of the Union County Country Club and was the winner of nearly three decades of golf tournaments. When not on the greens she could be found on the tennis court. 

Her enduring legacy will be her philanthropic acts of kindness, and her generosity will be her most enigmatic attribute. Her presence on the fairways will be cherished by all whom she played – for nearly 50 years.

She is survived by her two sons, William J.Halter II (Judy) of Anna and Thom Halter of Anna; two grandchildren, Amanda and Will Halter of Anna; one great-grandchild, Aubrey Burns of Anna; four nieces and nine nephews; and other relatives. 

Coco’s presence was truly cherished by her nieces and nephews, family and friends. Her presence will always be remembered fondly.

Funeral services were at noon Wednesday, March 13, at Crain Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau, with  Father Uriel Salamanca officiating. Inurnment followed in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Memorials can be made to the organization of the donor’s choice.

To view the obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.

Crain Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau was in charge of arrangements.