Surrounded by her loving family, Katherine “Kathie” Arnold Ervin, 91, of Vinton, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026, at Virginia Gay Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Vinton.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Wesley United Methodist Church, with Pastor Darrian Adkins officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 11:30 a.m. until the time of service. Inurnment will be at Evergreen Cemetery. Van Steenhuyse-Teahen Funeral Home is caring for Kathie and her family.

Kathie was born on July 30, 1934, in San Mateo, CA, to Gerald and Elizabeth (Fee) Arnold. She graduated from Mt. Vernon Seminary High School in Washington, D.C., in 1952, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from Iowa State College in 1956.

On September 1, 1956, Kathie married the love of her life, Keith Anderson Ervin, in Philadelphia, PA followed by a move to Alexandria, VA where Keith served in the Army. Upon his release from the service they moved to Vinton, in 1958. Together they shared nearly 70 years of marriage and built a life centered on family, faith, and community.

Kathie dedicated much of her professional life as office manager at Ervin Motor Company, retiring in 1999 on her 65th birthday. Earlier in her career, she also worked as an editorial assistant for Armed Forces Electronics and Communication, a substitute teacher, and at the Vinton Livewire.

Family was the heart of Kathie’s life. She treasured every opportunity to spend time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Service to community was important to Kathie who was chair of the Virginia Gay Hospital Board and Hospital Foundation Board, chair of the Benton County Census, and chair of the Benton County Republican Committee. She was an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church, P.E.O., Mentor Literature Club and was named “Woman of the Year” in 2002 by the Vinton Women’s Club. She enjoyed socializing with her friends often gathering for coffee, lunch or cocktail time, leading her exercise group, golfing, bowling, playing bridge, traveling, and was proud to have visited all 50 states and 23 countries. As a Gamma Phi Beta Sorority alumna, she and her fellow sisters stayed connected through letters (“Round Robin”) for 70 years and their story appeared in The Wall Street Journal which led to an appearance on the Today Show.

Kathie is survived by her devoted husband, Keith Ervin of Vinton; daughters: Susan (Jim) Judkins Gossett of Clive and Carol Gassen of Fishers, IN; son, Bill (Roxanne) Ervin of Vinton; six grandchildren: Whitney (Eric Elben) Judkins, Erin (Matteo) del Ninno, Alexandra Thompson, David (Jena) Ervin, Sean (Kirstin Robinson) Gassen, and Daniel (Olivia) Ervin; and six great-grandchildren: Landon, Arden, Luca, Keaton, Elena, Luke, and another on the way. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law: Cynthia Ervin and Suzanne Arnold Sligh; and four nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a beloved uncle; and her brother, Ed Arnold.

Memorials may be directed to the Virginia Gay Hospital Foundation.

Kathie will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, adventurous spirit, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends. Her legacy of love and service will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.