Catherine Atkins, 96, of Thurmont passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 5, 2026 at Autumn Lake of Glade Valley in Walkersville. Born September 8, 1929, in her family home in Catoctin Furnace, she was the daughter of the late Clyde N. and Harriett Ruth Spalding Stitely.

She was part of a loving family of NINE.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her son Steven Atkins; brothers Norman (Marge), (Agnes), James (Minna), Robert (Irene), and Bill Stitely; sisters Mary Louise Fraley (Harold), Lois Riffle (Joe), Beatrice Bentz (Charles); brother in laws Robert Pee Wee Unger, and  Pat Miller.

Catherine was a member of Thurmont United Methodist Church. She worked for Clare Frock in Thurmont, and later for Roy Rogers for 30 years. Catherine loved gospel music, playing cards, watching the Orioles, and cooking, but most of all she cherished spending time with her family.

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

Our family is deeply grateful to the staff at Autumn Lake for the wonderful care they provided.

A celebration of Catherine’s life will be held on Thursday, March 19th at Thurmont United Methodist Church. Family will receive guests at 12:00 PM with a service following at 1:00PM. Pastor Kenneth Fizer Jr. will be officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Thurmont United Methodist Church, 13880 Long Rd. Thurmont, MD 21788.

Catherine's care has been entrusted to Black's Funeral Home of Sabillasville, MD. 

Online condolences may be shared with family at www.blackfuneralhomes.com