Eleanor Kathryn Wotipka

Eleanor Kathryn Wotipka, 82, of Highlands, TX, passed away on Saturday, September 24, 2022, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Kathryn, or Sissy as she was known to her family, was born in Livingston, TX on March 4, 1940 to Louis E. and Primrose Kathryn Oates Lilley.  

Kathryn was very active in in PTA while her children were in school, serving as President and receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award. She was also active in Highlands Little League and Softball for many years. As her children grew older, Kathryn worked for a short time at Perry’s Department store before moving her employment to Highlands State Bank (Woodforest National Bank) where she retired after 21 years of service in 2000.  Kathryn spent her retirement immersing herself in genealogy research and traveling for both pleasure and research.   

Kathryn is preceded in death by her husband Bennie H. Wotipka, son Eddie L. Wotipka, and parents Louis and Kathryn Lilley and brother Edward Lilley. She is survived by daughter in law Karen Wotipka, son Greg (Kimm) Wotipka, daughter Karan (Darwin) Whitehead, and daughter Linda (Stacy) Richardson. She is also survived by grandchildren, Zachary (Amanda) Wotipka, Rachel Wotipka, Bradley Wotipka, Eric (Bailey) Wotipka, Madison Whitehead, Mistian (Kaylie) Whitehead, Cassidy (Kevin) Phan, Keegan Morrison and five great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.  

Pallbearers are Zac Wotipka, Terry Hess, Bradley Wotipka, Eric Wotipka, Mistian Whitehead and Kevin Phan. Honorary Pallbearers are Chris Clamon, Keegan Morrison and Michael Whitehead.