Michigan breeder Womack dies at age 72

Kathleen Womack, a Battle Creek, Mich.-based breeder, died Jan. 16 following a prolonged battle with cancer. She was 72.

Womack was a longtime director of the Michigan Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, recently serving as the group’s secretary and treasurer.

Womack, with her husband Charles, bred stakes winners including Speak of Kings, Eve’s Trick, and Lite Legacy, as well as stakes-placed runners Lite Shadows, Trip Litely, Tillie the Hunn, and Lite Delighter.

She was also the manager of the Matchlite Syndicate, which returned leading Michigan stallion Matchlite to stand in the state after the Clever Trick horse spent time in Illinois during the late 1990s.

Womack, a Detroit native, graduated from Michigan State University and was a retired elementary school teacher at Battle Creek Public Schools.

Womack is survived by her husband, sons Charles and Scott, daughter Shannon Cook, nine grandchildren, one great grandchild, and brothers Maxwell Abbott and Kenneth Abbott.

Cremation will be conducted at Oak Hill Crematory. No visitations or service will be scheduled. Memorial contributions may be made to Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence.