Katherine "Kit" "Mimi" Tatro passed away peacefully at her home on Oct. 1, 2008. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother, sisters, and two great granddaughters.
Services include a Rosary Scripture Service 7 p.m., Sunday at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, Carson City. Viewing will be 6:30-7 p.m. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Monday at St. Teresa's.
Kit was born to Roy G. and Pearl Smith June 20, 1921 in Petersburg, Texas. She was the youngest of four siblings, Ona Faye, Lilla Mae, and Floyd. She was raised on a farm and a state basketball star in her high school years, averaging 24 points per game. She never stopped shooting hoops.
In search of adventure, she joined the Army in 1942 and held the rank of First Sergeant. While stationed at Langley Field, VA, she met (and out-ranked!) her husband, Don A. Tatro (d-1996.) They were married on August 12, 1944 and were informed by medical "experts" they were unable to have children. In 1945, they moved to Don's hometown of Boise, Idaho, and had ten children: Annette Parks (Bob), Marilyn Lewis, Laurie Tatro, John Tatro (Kathy), Sheila Reinhart (Terry), Tom Tatro (Ronda), Jim Tatro, Dick Tatro (Mona), Donna Saarem, Patrick Tatro, and based on the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data, 29 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. The rank of First Sergeant proved to be invaluable!
Kit, Don, and most of their children moved to Carson City, Nevada in 1972. After living much of her life "behind the scenes" of a public husband and multitude of offspring, she often said, this is the place she found her own identity. This is the place she called home. Her "spare time" was spent having grand times with the "Golden Girls" or volunteering for her Guild at St. Teresa's or in the gift shop at Carson Tahoe Hospital.
Kit Tatro never judged. She extended herself to all people and looked for the good in everyone. She lived in God's light, and loved without measure.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Kit's honor to the Boys and Girls Club of Western Nevada, Capital Campaign. Donations received will be matched by a private donor. FitzHenry's Funeral Home is caring for arrangements.