Katharine McNeill, age 83, of Valley Mills passed away Friday, Dec. 23, 2011, at her home surrounded by her family. Funeral services will be 11AM Tuesday at the Valley Mills First United Methodist Church. Interment will be in the Valley Mills Cemetery under the direction of Foss Funeral Home. Visitation will be Tuesday 10- 11 A.M. at the Valley Mills First United Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Valley Mills Cemetery Association., PO Box 253, Valley Mills, Texas 76689. Mrs. McNeill was born on October 4, 1928, in Ashburnham, MA, to Kusti and Aina Marie (Salmi) Maki. A life-long scholar, she graduated from high school as Valedictorian from Cushing Academy at the age of 16, Magna cum laude from Long Island University with a Bachelors degree in 1960, and Summa cum laude from Baylor University,1984, where she earned her Masters degree. She was a lieutenant in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict where she met and married Lt.Col. Joseph L.McNeill on Dec.11, 1953. Mrs. McNeill retired from public school teaching in 1986. She was a charter member of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit in Waco. She loved to read, travel, and was an accomplished bridge player. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1976, a daughter, Deborah McNeill, her brother, Harry, and a son, Joseph L. McNeill III. Survivors include her children, Diane Young of Plano and Douglas McNeill and wife Nanette of Valley Mills; 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.