Kathryn Ann McCallister

Kathryn Ann (Kate) McCallister (nee Schmitt), a long-time Visalia resident passed away Wednesday, September 4th 2024 lovingly surrounded by her family at her bedside. Kathryn was born January 10, 1930 in Moundridge, Kansas to David and Teresa Schmitt. She, her parents and 4 siblings moved to Visalia in 1939. She graduated from Visalia Union High School ("Redwood HS" today) in 1947 and earned her AA degree from College of the Sequoias. Kathryn worked for 17 years at the Visalia DMV while also raising her family. She married her high-school sweetheart Rex McCallister in 1953 and they were together for 56 years until Rex passed in 2009. Together they raised three children, Kimberlee, Timothy and Lynne and she remained loving, involved, and supportive with each throughout her life. Kathryn was always full of life and loved by so many including long-time friends (even a few from elementary school days!). She and Rex led planning of their high-school reunions for nearly 5 decades. They also traveled extensively together and with friends and family throughout the United States and the world including many cruises, safaris, river boat tours and jazz, hot air balloon, and many other festivals. One of her favorite places was at the beach, particularly Cayucos and Pismo Beach. She also loved to drive, and did so up until a month before her passing, saying that it made her feel free and independent. You just might have seen her zipping around town with her friends as passengers, or taking in the view from her car while enjoying a Taylor's hotdog or A&W root beer float. She leaves us with so many beautiful memories... hosting holidays at her home on College Ave. where she entertained and fed all with favorite traditional meals, such as her famous ham loaf; enjoying a competitive table game or puzzle endeavor; her beautiful crystal bell collection; the love and care she bestowed on her rescue kitties; rooting for the Lakers and more. She is survived by her children Kim Waltner of Folsom, CA, Tim McCallister and his wife Irene of Brea, CA, Lynne Hare of Visalia, CA and fiance John Fagundes of Hanford, CA. Grandchildren: Kara Kelley (nee Waltner) and her husband Matt, Kalli Waltner, Kip Waltner and his fianc� Ashley Petryk, Alicia McCallister, Katelyn McCallister, Cameron Hare and his wife Glenda and Karlee Gomez (nee Hare) and her husband Jason. She is also survived by four great grandchildren, Mason, Karson and Kamden Kelley and Koltin Martin and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Friday, September 13th, 2024 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Graveside services will be held 9:30 AM Saturday, September 14th, 2024 at Visalia District Cemetery, 1300 W Goshen Ave, Visalia. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Kathryn Ann McCallister

January 10, 1930 - September 4, 2024