Catherine “Cathie” L. Griffin, 86, resident of Clarksville, Arkansas experienced her long awaited happy day of seeing her Savior Jesus Christ face to face on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019, while at her daughter’s home in Cherokee Village. Cathie spent the last 15 years of her life at Clarksville, with prior residences in Borger, Pittsburgh, Longview, Texas, Montesano and McCleary, Washington and Salem, Arkansas. Cathie was born in Butte, Montana on Feb. 3, 1933 to Charles and Ethel (Pickthall) Matteer. She was united in marriage to Noble Archie Coggins of Agnos, Arkansas on April 19, 1952, in Wenatchee, Washington and to this union five children were born. Cathie attended school in Butte, Montana where she was a Relay Race Ice Skater and completed ninth grade. During her adult years, Cathie was involved in community activities and service club organizations. In Washington, she was a member of the Rebekah’s, the Montesano Grange and Eagles Auxiliary, where she was the Grand Madaam President. Her Clarksville services included, the Red Hat Society serving as the chapter Queen Mother, the Johnson County Senior Center assisting with fundraisers, bingo and other needed areas and volunteering in the Second Baptist Church Food Pantry Ministry.
She was a person who enjoyed life, made the most out of its hard knocks and was known by friends and radio audience as “Chatty Cathie.” Her interests were crocheting, crafting and garage sales, always looking for a great bargain. Cathie is lovingly remembered by her children Bobby W. Coggins of New Blaine, Arkansas, Patricia A. (Curtis) Smith of White Oak, Texas, Debra J. (Darrell) Kehrli of Cherokee Village, Arkansas and Gloria M. (Kenny) Denton of Clarksville, Arkansas. Ten grandchildren, Danny Earls, Crystal Bailey, Candy Miller, Melody Smith, Rebecca Merkel all of Texas, Jack Campbell of Franklin, Arkansas, Trenton (Michelle) Shipley of Cabot, Arkansas, Amanda (Chris) Stricklin of Cherokee Village, Arkansas, Zachary Coggins of Clarksville and Rachelle Coggins Davis of Little Rock, Arkansas, 15 great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Joseph and Sophia Pickthall, her parents, Charles and Ethel Matteer, Sisters, Doris Wertz and Juna Matteer, brother, Larry Matteer, all of Washington, spouse James L. Griffin, son Allen D. Coggins and granddaughter April Beth Pitzer and great-granddaughter Lacey Smarr.
The family held a celebration of life to honor Cathie at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Second Baptist Church in Clarksville following a visitation at 1 p.m. Donations may be made in her honor to the Second Baptist Church Food Pantry and the Johnson County Senior Activities Center in Clarksville, Arkansas.
Arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Cox Funeral Home in Clarksville. Please visit and sign the online tribute to Cathie at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com
