Josephine Van Winkle Foster

Josephine Van Winkle Foster, age 94, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2018. She was born in Danville, Kentucky, on December 13, 1923, to John Sallee Van Winkle, Jr. and Ruth Abigail (Watson) Van Winkle. She was the youngest of four sisters. Josephine graduated from Danville High School in 1941. She received a Bachelors degree in 1945 from Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts and continued her education in New York City, earning Masters degrees from Columbia and Union Theological Seminary. Josephine was a gifted musician and sculptor, and a dedicated and loving mother and teacher. She supported various causes, including those promoting and protecting the arts, the environment, and community well-being. During the 1950s, Josephine and her former husband, theologian Andrew D. Foster, lived in New York, and then Durham, NC. In 1959, she moved with her family to Berkeley, CA. Josephine was active throughout this period in church and academic life, as well as raising her family. In 1973, she and daughter Catherine moved back to Danville. After earning a Masters in education from Eastern Kentucky University, Josephine spent a number of years as a special education teacher in the Danville school district. After retirement, she lived in Louisville, where she served several years as a CASA volunteer, from 1991 until 2013 when she moved to Kansas City, MO. Josephine is predeceased by her parents, John and Ruth; sisters and brothers-in-law, Ellen Fox (Gardner) of Rumson, NJ, Louise Hutchings (William) of Jacksonville, FL, and Ruth Troussoff (George) of Bernardsville, NJ; and her former husband, Andrew. She is survived by her two children; son, Robin Foster and wife Barbara of Kansas City; daughter, Catherine Foster of Berkeley, CA; grandchildren, John Foster of Kansas City, Michael Foster of Wichita, KS, and Emily Foster of Fayetteville, AR. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 11, at the First Presbyterian Church in Danville, KY at 1:00 PM. Funeral arrangements by Muehlebach Funeral Care of Kansas City and Stith Funeral Home of Danville, KY. Condolences may be expressed at www.MuehlebachChapel.com. The family requests that memorial gifts be sent to the Nature Conservancy or to Kentucky CASA. Memorial Service First Presbyterian Church of Danville Friday, May 11, 2018 1:00 PM 500 West Main StreetDanville, Kentucky 40422 Directions Kansas City, Missouri

December 13, 1923 - April 23, 2018

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Muehlebach Funeral Care

July 20, 2022

Alice Acton Ingram

May 9, 2018

I was in Danville today and heard that Josephine had passed away. I am disappointed that I have to be in Frankfort for a meeting on Friday and cant attend the service, but I will be there in spirit for my dear friend. She and my father, Herbert Acton, were very close fri... Continue Reading

Valerie Bashaw

May 6, 2018

Josephine was a remarkable friend and artist and an integral part of my art classes at Bishop Spencer Place. I worked with her weekly for over 5 years and really adored her. My life lit up when she flashed a big smile. We all will miss her so much, she made good friends ... Continue Reading

Jeanne Foster

May 6, 2018

Josephine was an inspiration to me, she was devoted to her family and was always thoughtful and generous. She organized a family reunion at Shakertown that was so lovely. I have many lovely memories of our trips as a family to Danville and Louisville. She kept house beau... Continue Reading

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November 30, 1999

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Josephine Van Winkle Foster

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