Kathleen “Kathy” Carrigan Wood was born December 5, 1955 in Oakland, California to David K Wood and Norma (Coplen) Wood. She was raised in Hemingford, Nebraska and graduated from Hemingford High School in 1974. She studied at National American University majoring in accounting management. Kathy worked many years as a Financial Systems Analyst for Black Hills Corporation. She retired in 2016.

Kathy married Jim Whartman in 1978, and together they welcomed two sons, Aaron and Neil. Though their marriage eventually took a different path, they shared the enduring bond of family and the joy of raising their children.

Kathy may have had two biological children, but she was a second mom to many. Her home was always open to Aaron and Neil’s friends (even when Aaron and Neil weren’t home) when they were growing up and she was known for keeping many teenage boys out of trouble.

Kathy would frequently and lovingly repeat “Family is Everything!” She was a very devoted Grandma and had a very close relationship with her grandchildren. She was always willing to step in for her family. Her house always had the best treats and her grandchildren never left her house without some chocolate, girl scout cookies, goldfish, or kettlecorn.

Kathy was accompanied by the angels to her eternal home with Jesus on August 15, 2026 at the age of 70 at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital after a courageous battle with lung cancer. She was surrounded by her everything, her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her two big brothers, Kelly and Kerry Wood and her dear friend Deb Gibson.

She is survived by her sons, Aaron Whartman and his wife Natalie of Rapid City, Neil Whartman and his wife Kelli also of Rapid City, her grandchildren Kaydence, Xavier, Quinn, and Iris of Rapid City, her “soul sister” Dee Nolan of Rapid City, and many other devoted family and friends.

Kathy’s family invites you to a Celebration of Life to be held at Zymurcracy 4624 Creek Dr, Rapid City, SD on Saturday, October 10th from 12:30-3:00PM.