Obit of Wright, Kathryn (Kroutil) - Oklahoma County, Oklahoma Submitted by: Gene Phillips 28 Sep 2008 Return to Oklahoma County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/oklahoma/oklahoma.html ===================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ===================================================================== ::NOT LISTED Wright, Kathryn (Kroutil) Kathryn (Kroutil) Wright, longtime Yukon philanthropist and wife of prominent businessman Clarence Wright, died Friday, Oct. 10 at her home in Yukon. She was 73. Mrs. Wright was modest about her contributions to the betterment of Yukon, but her unflagging dedication and generosity made her an outstanding citizen. As someone who always 'gave from the heart,' she was an anonymous contributor to many worthwhile causes and never sought attention or publicity. Born Kathryn Rae Kroutil on July 10, 1930 in Oklahoma City to Raymond and Gertrude Kroutil, she attended public schools in Yukon and graduated in 1948. She graduated in 1950 from Monticello College in Godfrey, Ill. and in 1952 from the University of Oklahoma in Norman with a bachelor of arts degree in music education. Kathryn married Clarence R. Wright on June 6, 1952 at the First United Methodist Church in Yukon. Shortly after, the Wrights moved to Ft. Benning, Ga. where Mr. Wright fulfilled his military obligation. After returning to Yukon, Mrs. Wright was a substitute teacher for several years. Through the years, she was an active member of various civic clubs and organizations including: Garden Club, Frisco Home Demonstration Club, First United Methodist Church, and Nina Willingham Senior Housing. She was a staunch supporter of the Yukon Historical Society and a life member of the Yukon Museum. Mrs. Wright was inducted on April 6, 2002 into the Yukon Historical Society's 'Wall of Fame' during a ceremony at the Yukon Museum and Arts Center, 601 Oak. Mrs. Wright also served on the boards of directors of Yukon National Bank and Nina Willingham Senior Housing. Her grandfather, Frank Kroutil, was co-founder of Yukon National Bank in 1912 and Yukon's Best Flour Mill. One of her proudest moments was the triumphant lighting of the mill lights in the early '90s. In the mid-1990s, Mrs. Wright was instrumental in the formation of the Kathryn R. Wright and Yukon National Bank's scholarship programs that have annually benefited local performing arts and horticulture students. She was an avid supporter of FFA and 4-H programs for many years. The Wrights have been active in the community, helping with many civic enhancements over the years. The couple donated 50 acres to the City of Yukon in the early 1990s to be used as a park. Today, Chisholm Trail Park has become a favorite for many family-oriented programs and activities. Mrs. Wright is survived by her husband, Clarence of the home; three children, Carolyn Kroutil Wright Henthorn, Raymond Earl Wright and Clarence R. Wright III, all of Yukon; 10 grandchildren, Carson Wright, Rachel Wright, Cameron Palmer, Ashley Duncan, Katrina Wright, Kayla Wright, Andrew Henthorn, Cory Henthorn, Christi Henthorn, and Sabella Henthorn; and a great-grandson, Shannon Wayne Henthorn. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Gertrude Kroutil; grandparents, Frank L. Kroutil and Mary Borek Kroutil; and great- grandparents, Frantisek (Frank) and Katerina (Catherine) Kroutil. Mrs. Wright's great-grandparents immigrated from Czechoslovakia to Nebraska in 1891 and then came to the Yukon in 1893. They settled in the Shell Creek area west of Yukon in 1895. A memorial service will be 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 13 at the First United Methodist Church of Yukon, 400 Elm. Arrangements are by Yanda & Son Funeral Home, Yukon. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Chisholm Trail Park Fund, c/o City of Yukon, P.O. Box 850500, Yukon, OK, 73085, or the charity of your choice. YANDA & SON FUNERAL HOME Yukon, OK 350-7101 Published in the Oklahoman on 10/11/2003. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to Oklahoma County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/oklahoma/oklahoma.html