Catherine A. (Smith) Batz

Catherine Arlene Batz (1956-2025)

       Catherine Arlene Batz did not know how to walk, she ran. She could not keep still and was always on the go whether it be mowing the lawn, working, or visiting her beloved state of Florida. A lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana, she died at the age of 69, after a prolonged battle with Non-Hodgins’s Lymphoma on October 28, 2025.

       She was born in Gary, Indiana in 1956 to Robert and Arlene Smith. Her parents love of the outdoors and camping with five children was not only brave, but memorable as Cathy always relayed stories about long rides to National Parks. She attended Portage High School before studying Business Administration at Purdue University. Her education was an integral part of her future foundation as she moved into her lifelong career as President of Cash Indiana Pawn Shop.

       Catherine met the love of her life, Jack Batz in 1974 while working at Jack’s Gun Shop. They often took drives around Lake Michigan and shared a lifelong passion for ocean fishing. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married August 18, 1976 in Valparaiso.

       Cathy and Jack couldn’t wait to start a family of their own, and their children meant the world to them. She is survived by her loving children Brandy (Tyler) Cayce of Los Angeles, CA, Aaron (Stephanie) Batz of Burn Harbor, IN, and Christopher Batz of California. She loved taking annual road trips to Disney World with her three children every year of their childhood despite them getting lost on many occasions.

       Though she loved bike riding and kayaking, Cathy’s favorite role was that of a grandparent. She treasured her time with her grandkids. She loved to play volleyball in the pool with them, take long walks along the beach in Florida, and work on her beloved mosaics alongside her grandkids. When she discovered she was going to be a grandparent she said jokingly, “Well they can call me Cathy not grandma.” Cathy was always youthful in body and spirit. She constructed a giant shower in her Indiana home for the kids to ride their tricycles in and they delighted in being able to ride bikes inside! She is survived by her loving grandchildren Cecelia, Charlotte and Jack.

       Cathy had a soft spot for dogs the size of horses, treating each one like the valuable family member they were. Her soul mate dog George slept beside her and was her constant companion during her first diagnosis with cancer. She currently has a Newfoundland named Moe Pickles whose love of drool is unparalleled and her dog Kip who bears a striking resemblance to George as her surviving faithful companions.

       Everyone who knew Cathy knew how much she loved being a self-taught mosiac artist, avid reader, writer, SPIN cycler, and forever lover of Southwest Florida. Every member of her family has a piece of Cathy mosiac art adorning their walls.

       Cathy will always be remembered for her directness, her fighting spirit, and dedication to cleanliness. We will always think of her as the strong-willed and tenacious boss that she was.

       Cathy was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jack and her loving parents Robert and Arlene.

       A Memorial Visitation will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025 from 2pm until 5pm at White-Love Funeral Home, 525 S 2nd St., Chesterton IN. A private interment will be held prior to the service. Memories may be shared at: www.whitelovefuneral-home.com. In lieu of flowers please send any donations to: Manatee Rescue of Florida and Newfoundland Rescue of Florida.

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