Kathleen Waltrip, 86, of Chehalis, Washington, passed away Thursday, May 10, 2018. She was born April 2, 1932, the first of two daughters to Elmer and Agnes Furrer. She adored her parents, often saying her father was the most handsome man she ever met. She lived her youngest years in Seattle, moving back to the Chehalis area to live with family while her father served in WWII. She graduated from Chehalis High School in 1950.
On August 29, 1953, she married Homer Waltrip. He often said, Kathleen’s the most sweetest woman you will ever meet. She was a stay at home mother and enjoyed raising her four children until they were in their teens. She then fulfilled her lifelong dream and went back to school and became a LPN nurse and worked at St. Helen’s Hospital in Chehalis. It was one of the most fulfilling things in her life. She also learned to snow ski and would go on ski trips with other nurses.
Kathleen cherished her religious faith as a long time member of St. Joseph Church. She was a bible school teacher, Koinonia team member, member of a church circle, and a Eucharistic Minister which she said was such a privilege and always left her somewhat awestricken. It was her strong faith that guided her through life.
She was a fantastic artist, in her drawings from an early age to her beautiful calligraphy work. She loved spending time with family and friends, walking her dog, dancing with Homer, and long vacation drives. She was always happy to see you with a smile that could light up a room. She was loved by everyone she met, and will be missed by everyone she loved.
Kathleen is survived by her son Kelly Waltrip of Laramie, WY; son Brian Waltrip of Centralia; son Randy Waltrip of Centralia; daughter Mary Waltrip of Olympia; grandson Luke Waltrip of Chehalis; great-grandsons Jackson and Hudson Waltrip of Chehalis: and sister Mary Coie of Kennewick, WA.
A memorial mass is scheduled for 11 am Wednesday, June 6 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Chehalis, WA. A luncheon will follow the mass.
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