Kathy Thewes named volunteer of the year at Deaconess Memorial

Jasper–Kathy Thewes has been named the 2026 Little Company of Mary (LCM) Volunteer of the Year Award recipient at Deaconess Memorial Medical Center.

This award is named in honor of the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary, the founders of Deaconess Memorial. Thewes is the ninth recipient for this annual award that is based on outstanding volunteer service and dedication reflecting Deaconess Memorial’s mission statement and core values of Respect for Human Dignity, Compassionate Caring, Stewardship, Quality and Justice. Other nominees for the 2026 award included Cali Rasche, Doris Hopf, Doug Peterson, Frank DuCett, Janet Dauby, Kelly Clauss, and Steve DuCett. 

Thewes began volunteering at the 800 Gift Shop 11 years ago and continues to volunteer weekly.

“I am very honored to receive this award,” said Thewes. “There were great nominees. I can’t believe I was chosen. I believe everyone should volunteer here. The Gift Shop has been a great place to volunteer.”

“Kathy represents the very best of what it means to be a volunteer – selfless, dependable and guided by a true sense of purpose,” Cama Stillman, Deaconess Memorial Volunteer Coordinator, stated. “She is always there to brighten your day with a smile anytime you walk into the Gift Shop on a Monday morning. We are honored to celebrate her as the 2026 LCM Volunteer of the Year and are grateful for the light she brings to our hospital.”

Thewes lives in Huntingburg with her husband, Gene. She has a daughter, Meagan, and a son, Ryan. She has five grandchildren with whom she loves to spend time.