Katherine Ann (Dunipace) Stebbins, 92, died at home on April 3, 2025, after a short illness. She was born on August 31, 1932, on the family’s farm in Wood County Ohio (near Bowling Green), to Wayne Dunipace and Jane (Shelhimer) Dunipace. She graduated from Bowling Green State University, Magna Cum Laude. She majored in Physical Education and enjoyed singing in the choir. In the choir she met her life partner, Robert E Stebbins (1931-2014).
After living briefly in New Haven, CT and Minneapolis, MN, she and Bob moved to Richmond in 1964, where they raised 3 daughters. She earned a Masters degree and PhD in sociology at University of Kentucky and was an active citizen, including serving as Chair of League of Women Voters. She taught at Eastern Kentucky University for 28 1/2 years. While at Eastern, she served as head of her department and established a women’s studies department. After her retirement she continued her life-long learning, studying Spanish and traveling the world. She was a master gardener. She was a founding member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Madison County.
She was preceded in death by her husband Robert E Stebbins and her daughter, Susan Leigh (Susal) Stebbins. She is survived by her brother, Joel Dunipace; 2 daughters, Beth Ann Stebbins and Kara Lynn Stebbins; 2 grandchildren, Emily Brown Stebbins and Russell Vincent Stebbins Brown; and one great grandchild, Robin Stebbins Vita.
Services are being planned for June 21 at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Madison County. A private burial will be held at Heritage Acres Memorial Sanctuary.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to your favorite charity.
