Funeral Services for Catherine Jane Pantoja of Gassville, Arkansas, will be private.
Catherine passed away January 27, 2015, in Mountain Home, Arkansas at the age of 64. She was born June 4, 1950, in Bath County, Virginia, the daughter of William and Mary Ryder Brooks. She worked as a firefighter for Los Angeles County, California Fire Department, was a volunteer firefighter at the Fire Department at 29 Palms, California and a nursing assistant. Catherine lived in Gassville since 2005, moving from Ohio. She enjoyed needlework and crocheting.
Catherine is survived by her friend and partner, John Leach of Gassville, AR; children, Toni (Millard) Lawrence of Gassville, AR, Norma Robbins of Roanoke, VA, Allen Gillespie of Roanoke, VA, Carol Wood of Kentucky, Margaret Edwards of Roanoke, VA, Shawn Gillespie of Roanoke, VA and Norman Gillespie of Roanoke, VA; several grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; one brother, William H. Brooks, Jr. and one sister, Mary Shifflett.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, James Ryder and sister, Sally Ryder.
Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association or The Wounded Warriors.
Arrangements are by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services.