Catherine Atkins

Catherine Atkins, 96, of Thurmont, passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 5, 2026, at Autumn Lake of Glade Valley in Walkersville. Born on September 8, 1929, in her family home in Catoctin Furnace, she was the daughter of the late Clyde N. and Harriett Ruth Spalding Stitely. One of nine children in a loving family, Catherine was preceded in death by her son Steven Atkins; her brothers Norman (Marge), James (Minna), Robert (Irene), and Bill Stitely; her sisters Mary Louise Fraley (Harold), Lois Riffle (Joe), and Beatrice Bentz (Charles); and brothers-in-law Robert “Pee Wee” Unger and Pat Miller.

A longtime member of Thurmont United Methodist Church, Catherine worked for Clare Frock in Thurmont and later spent 30 years with Roy Rogers. She found joy in gospel music, playing cards, cheering for the Orioles, and cooking, yet nothing meant more to her than time spent with her family.

She is survived by her grandchildren Chad Atkins (Ashley) and Danielle Barber (Jeff); great-grandchildren Chase Atkins and Norah Atkins; her sister Ruth Ann Miller; and many nieces and nephews.

Catherine’s family will always remember the warmth and devotion she brought to their lives.