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Katherine Putnam

HARRISBURG -- Katherine E. Putnam, 92, died Dec. 19, 2016, in Eldorado.

She was born July 20, 1924, in Eldorado to the late R.G. and Kate (Milligan) Putnam. She was a member of Eldorado First Christian Church and a lifetime member of Daughters of the American Revolution.

After graduating from high school, she went to St. Louis to study x-ray and lab work. She then moved to Florida for a short time and after that to New York City. It was this city that made her feel alive and live a life so many wish for.

She traveled the world many times with stories a person could listen to for hours. She was seated in the press box at the crowning of Queen Elizabeth. She always said Bora Bora was the most beautiful place on Earth. She loved to go on a camera safari in Africa. She traveled all over Europe with the wife of Sam Walton. While working for Dr. McDonald in New York, she had many stories, but the one that held the attention of her friends was telling about working with the New York Yankees. And she was friends with Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra and many others. She did love those Yankees. When she came back to Eldorado for the holidays, she loved spending time with her childhood friend, Dorothy Coleman Gidcumb, along with the Wettaw and Scribner families.

Survivors include her nephew, Bill (Ann) Putnam of St. Helena, California; nieces, Katy (Russell) Duncan of Harrisburg, Jane Wright of Michigan and Ester Wright of California; and her companion of 45 years, Malcom Woods.

She was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Helen Putnam; sister and brother-in-law, Miriam Putnam (Loren) Wright; and nephew, Ross Putnam.

A celebration of her life will be at a later date. Memorials may be made in her memory to Southern Illinois Alzheimer's Association.

Watson Funeral Home in Eldorado is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at watsonfuneralhome.net.