Bud and Cathy Huey

Some people build a life full of accomplishments.  Others build a life full of meaning.

Bud and Cathy Huey have done both.

Cathy’s story begins in Columbus, Georgia, where she was born while her father was stationed at Fort Benning. Before she was even a year old, her family moved to Stuttgart, Germany. She spent her early years there and still remembers having her first ice cream cone under the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

When her father’s military service ended, the family returned to the United States and settled in Illinois. His work with Illinois Bell meant frequent moves, and Cathy attended five different schools before high school. Each move meant starting over, making new friends, and finding her place again. Those early experiences shaped her in lasting ways and gave her a deep understanding of people.

She graduated from Joliet West High School in 1972, where she was active as a cheerleader, a member of the National Honor Society, and participated in track. She was also part of the Homecoming Junior Court, GAA, and named Lettermen’s Queen.

Bud also graduated from Joliet West High School in 1972. He was involved in cross country, track, the Lettermen’s Club, and served as a freshman class officer.

They shared the same school, but their story had not quite begun.

After high school, Bud attended Indiana University. Cathy began at the University of Arkansas before later transferring to Indiana University. It was during that time that something unexpected happened.

A mutual friend asked Cathy if she wanted to ride along to pick Bud up at O’Hare Airport. She agreed. As they were going up the escalator, Bud was coming down. In that moment, Cathy felt something unmistakable. She later said she heard God say, “You are going to marry that guy.”

She almost fell off the escalator.

Soon after, Bud invited her to his family’s cottage on Stony Lake in Michigan (staying in different houses). There were sailboat rides, time on the water, and sunsets over Lake Michigan. That weekend, something lasting began.

They returned to their respective colleges, but the connection only grew stronger. Bud even hitchhiked to Arkansas to visit Cathy, and they later spent spring break together in California. Cathy eventually transferred to Indiana University, and after graduating in 1976, they were married.

In 1977, they moved to Salem, Indiana, where they would build their life together.

Cathy earned her degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology and spent her career serving others. She worked for more than nine years at the Washington County Welfare Department as a caseworker and supervisor, then went on to serve Salem Community Schools for over 30 years as an at risk counselor, school social worker, and attendance officer.

Her work was not just a job. It was a calling.

She believed deeply in the young people she served. She often told them, “I believe in you. You just have to believe in yourself.”

She also gave her time in many other ways. Cathy coached cross country, assisted with track, and was actively involved in Salem Presbyterian Church as a Sunday school teacher, youth group leader, Clerk of Session, and now as a Session member. She is also a Tri Kappa alum.

Bud built his career with the same steady commitment. After graduating from Indiana University with a degree in Accounting, he began what would become a 39 year career with GKN. Over the years, he worked in accounting and purchasing and spent his final twelve years as Supply Chain Manager.

Along the way, he earned the respect of those around him for his consistency and leadership.

Bud also gave his time to others, serving as a Big Brother, a Cub Scout leader, and a coach for Pee Wee boys and girls basketball. At Salem Presbyterian Church, he continues to serve as both a Session member and Treasurer.

Together, Bud and Cathy built a life centered on family.

They raised their two children, Molly and Ben, in Salem and made a very intentional decision early on. Cathy knew what it was like to move from place to place, and she was determined her children would have something different. When Bud once had an opportunity that would require moving, she made it clear she wanted their children to stay rooted. Bud agreed.

Molly and Ben attended Salem Community Schools from kindergarten through graduation and still maintain those lifelong friendships today.

While they created stability at home, Bud and Cathy also made sure their children experienced the world beyond it.

Travel became a way of life.

They took camping trips across the country, often with a purpose. Cathy always insisted that each trip include something meaningful to learn. Over time, those trips grew to include other families. On one trip to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, there were more than 30 people traveling together, requiring a U Haul just to carry everything.

Their love of travel has continued throughout their lives. Together, they have visited nearly every state, with Alaska being the only one left. They have traveled throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Guatemala. Cathy has enjoyed special trips with friends, including a visit to Cuba during a brief window when travel was allowed. More recent trips have included the Field of Dreams in Iowa, Mt. Airy, North Carolina, and a remarkable experience at the Sphere in Las Vegas to see The Wizard of Oz.

Today, their greatest joy is often found closer to home.

They are proud grandparents to Emma, Finnegan, and Harrison, and they rarely miss an opportunity to attend games, events, or simply spend time together.

Through all of these experiences, one moment stood out in a special way.

The eighth grade trip to Washington, DC.

When their daughter Molly took the trip, Bud volunteered as a chaperone. It was his first time visiting Washington. When their son Ben prepared to go, Bud was ready again. In fact, when he walked into the school, he was quickly told they had just found their next chaperone.

Those trips left a lasting impression.

Walking through history. Seeing the monuments. Standing at Arlington National Cemetery and witnessing the ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Moments that stay with you long after the trip is over.

Bud and Cathy saw what those experiences meant.

And they wanted to make sure other students would have that same opportunity.

That is why they chose to give.

Through their fund with the Washington County Community Foundation, they are helping eighth grade students experience Washington, DC with their classmates. They are giving young people the chance to step outside their everyday lives, to see history in person, and to carry those moments with them for the rest of their lives.

Their story is rooted in strong values passed down from their parents. Care for others. Be honest. Build a stable life. Love your neighbor.

It is shaped by mentors who believed in them. It is carried forward through faith, family, and a deep commitment to community.

Bud and Cathy often reflect on how blessed they have been.

And now, through their generosity, that blessing continues.

Their legacy is not just in the life they have lived together.
It is in the lives they will continue to touch for generations to come.