Kathy Sue Haines

Kathy Sue Haines, 67 of Indianapolis, passed away December 23rd with her husband and daughters at her side. The daughter of Ronald Phipps and Carolyn Sue Skelton, Kathy was born September 28th, 1954 in Indianapolis, Indiana. She graduated from Northwest High School in 1972, and then went on to spend the majority of her adult life in both Pike Township and Zionsville. Later in life, Kathy and her husband Tim fell in love with Leavenworth, Indiana and purchased a home that overlooked the Ohio River. This beautiful place was lovingly referred to as “Heavenworth” and Kathy and Tim made weekly trips between the “River House” and their home in Pike Township. Anyone that met Kathy will remember that she always had a smile on her face and a song in her heart. A love of music and singing was central to her identity. She derived great joy from sharing this passion with others. Birthdays for both friends and strangers were met with an operatic rendition of “Happy Birthday”. Facetime calls with her granddaughters in Vermont were full of personalized melodies. She absolutely adored gathering with friends in her home and theirs to share music and sing. Many friends and family will remember the music-centered barn parties that she and Tim hosted at their River House. Kathy also often performed her music publically with recent performances at Zionsville’s Lincoln Park, the Indiana State Fair, and at the Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library with the Sunny Side Up Variety Hour.Throughout much of her life Kathy’s primary focus was caring for her children and family. However, she was also a dynamic individual who wore many vocational hats. Most significantly and memorably, Kathy had a passion and gift for connecting with young children and taught preschool for many years at Bethel United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. She also provided childcare for many families and even performed as “Storylady Kathy”. In addition to her work with children, Kathy worked for Haag Drug Company, sold real estate at Reality Real Estate in Zionsville, and most recently maintained a booth at the Village Antique Mall in Zionsville. She was a curious person and genuinely a lifelong learner.Her children and grandchildren were, of course, also great beneficiaries of Kathy’s facility with small people. She was affectionately known to her grandchildren as “Moo Moo” and they were incredibly lucky to be the recipients of her tremendous love and attention. Kathy was endlessly devoted to both her her family and friends. She was our biggest fan and our most ardent supporter, always providing kind, gentle, and patient refuge from the ups and downs of life. Our lives will never be the same without her. Kathy is survived by her husband of 47 years, Timothy Haines, her daughters Sarah Salas (Mike Kessler) and Rebecca (Simon) Pearish; 3 beloved granddaughters: Aleyna (14), Aurora (7) and Lilah (3). She is also survived by her 2 brothers Ronnie Phipps and Manny (Kellie Purdy) Phipps and her sister Lori Rice as well as many nieces and nephews. Kathy was preceded in death by her mother, Carolyn Sue Phipps; her father, Ronald Phipps; and her brother-in-law, Charles Rice IV. A celebration of life will be planned for sometime in 2022

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