Catherine Marie (Farrell) Spitznagle, 86, of Lafayette, passed away peacefully at 2:37 am Friday, December 23, 2016, at St. Anthony’s Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born June 7, 1930, in Lafayette, Indiana, to the late Michael and Marie (Shedrow) Farrell. She attended Saint Francis High School for Girls.

Her marriage to Francis Charles “Charlie” Spitznagle was on June 11, 1949, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Charlie preceded her in death on November 21, 2008, just shy of their 60th wedding anniversary.

Catherine was a homemaker but the word does not do justice to her many gifts and her extraordinarily kind, gentle, and loving ways. As a dedicated wife and mother of seven, she always put the needs of her loved ones above her own. Family and friends were everything to her and she was loved by anyone who met her. Her influence will forever remain a part of all who knew her and the lives she touched.

A devout Catholic and lifelong member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church and Shrine, her faith was strong and her prayers effective. She also was a member of the Perry Township Home Economics Club and she loved gathering with her fellow Bunco Club friends. Catherine enjoyed ceramics and crocheting and there was always sure to be a home-baked cookie or pie waiting for anyone who stopped by.

Surviving are seven children: Jerry Spitznagle (wife: Sandy) of Lafayette; Mel Spitznagle (wife: Deb) of Lafayette; Sandy Cammer (husband: Paul) of Fairfax Station, VA; Ron Spitznagle (wife: Lisa) of Lafayette; Paul Spitznagle (wife: Kelly) of Lafayette; Ray Spitznagle (wife: Jennifer) of Lafayette; and Pam Spitznagle of Erlanger, KY. Donna Schulte of Erlanger, KY was like her adopted daughter. Additionally, three brothers survive: Leo Farrell (wife: Dot) and John Farrell, both of West Point, Indiana, Dennis Farrell (wife: Valorie) of Ambia and sister-in-law, Shirley Farrell of West Point. Also surviving are fifteen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren with two more great-grandchildren on the way.

Catherine was preceded in death by her grandson, Luke Spitznagle, and her siblings Joe, Josephine, Robert “Bob” and Charlie.

A Rosary Service will be held at 3:45 p.m. prior to the Visitation from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, December 27, 2016, at St. Ann’s Church and Shrine (612 Wabash Avenue, Lafayette). A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2016, also at St. Ann’s Church and Shrine, with Father Mike McKinley officiating. Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Lafayette.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made in Catherine’s name to the SMA Foundation in support of her great-grandson, Tyson Mitchell (888 Seventh Ave Ste 400, New York, NY 10106) or to St. Ann’s Church and Shrine.

Catherine’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at St. Anthony’s Healthcare for their many kindnesses and exceptional care.