Catherine Fitch Helmstetter, 97, of Tryon Estates, Columbus, N.C. died on Jan. 7, 2015.

The daughter of Arron (Arie) Daniel Fitch (1889-1971) and Nell Douglass Dyer Fitch (1894-1985), Catherine Josephine Fitch was born in Oklahoma City, Okla. in 1917. She was predeceased by her brother, Stephen Douglass Fitch (1921-2010).

She was predeceased by husband, George Helmstetter who died in 1995. Survivors include one daughter, Judith Warden (David) of Landrum, S.C.; three sons, Donald George (Terry) of Reno, Nev., Stephen Douglass (Cathy) of St. Paul, Minn, and David Helmstetter (Joel Steinberg) of Phoenix, Ariz. and a younger sister, Winifred Houston.

She was so proud of her seven grandchildren, Todd Warden (Anna), Katie Warden (who died in 2002), Josie Helmstetter, Caz Helmstetter (Ashley), Julie Mazzola (John), Greg Helmstetter (Patty), and Mike Fitzsimmons (Angel) and in turn eight precious great-grandchildren (David Logan, Davis, Andrew, Tessa, Trevor, Brody, Remi and Annabelle).

Through George’s business, the family traveled from Lyon Falls, N.Y. to Harrisville, N.Y., Jacksonville, Fla., Valdosta, Ga., Perrysburg, Ohio and Wayzata, Minn. She and George retired in Landrum before settling into Tryon Estates in 1992. Catherine was an elder of Tryon Presbyterian Church, a board member of Tryon Painters and Sculptors, and Chairman of the Thrifty Garden Club of Landrum.

Memorial Services will be held on Friday, Jan. 16, 2015 at 2 p.m. at the Tryon Presbyterian Church with Dr. Dent Davis and Dr. James McPherson officiating.

Memorials may be made to the Tryon Presbyterian Church, The Tryon Estates Samaritan Fund or Foothills Humane Society.

Condolences may be left at www.pettyfuneralhome.com.