Katherine A. Harbison, 89, of Valparaiso, formerly of Merrillville, passed away Wednesday, December 27, 2023. She was born February 17, 1934, in Gary to George and Anna (Swalla) Rudovich, and graduated from Tolleston High School 1952 and married her high school sweetheart, William (Bill) Harbison on April 12, 1953. They enjoyed over 70 years of blissful marriage.
Katherine was a graduate of cosmetology school and performed that profession for many years in her home shop. Additionally, she was an active knitter making numerous Afghans while also donating knitted baby hats for newborns at local hospitals.
Survivors include husband, William (Bill) Harbison; sons: Mark (Deanna) Harbison and Vincent (Pamela) Harbison; grandsons: Garth (Diana) Harbison, Nathaniel Harbison, Joshua (Leah) Busch, and Matthew Busch. Katherine was preceded in death by her daughter, Ramona (Gary) Busch, and son, William “Willie” Harbison II.
Visitation will be Tuesday, January 2, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, Valparaiso, with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Additional visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 3rd, directly at Protection of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church, 8600 Grand Blvd., Merrillville, IN, with a funeral service beginning at 10:00 a.m. Father Jacob officiating, with burial to follow at Angelcrest Cemetery, Valparaiso. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Protection of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church.
