Kathy Sue Andrews

Kathleen “Kathy” Sue Andrews passed away peacefully at her home on December 9, 2025. She was born on July 1st, 1957, to Harry and Carol Andrews. If you believe in cloud 9, then know Kathy was on cloud 10. Upon her passing, those who knew her well would tell you that they had never seen her happier. She had so much she was looking forward to. The night of her passing included a personal visit from one son, and a long phone conversation from the other. A mother’s favorite thing!

Kathy was raised with her loving parents along with her two older brothers (Mike and Tom) on a rural turkey farm in Kersey, Colorado. She participated in 4H and although not a “star player” she was a baton girl in the marching band. She had a feisty horse named Fury, that she spoke of all the time. The ironic thing about Kathy being raised on a turkey farm is that at the most special times in her life and even afterlife, wild turkeys appear seemingly out of nowhere and in places you would not suspect. A reminder of her special upbringing and perhaps a signal from above.

Upon graduation from High School, she attended Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado. She said that she didn’t learn a whole lot at school, but what she did excel in was …..skiing. This passion for skiing became lifelong and she continued to look forward to each winter enjoying the Colorado mountains that she so adored.

Kathy moved to Tacoma, Washington and attended the University of Puget Sound to finish her degree. She met John “Jay” Yake. They started one of the first (maybe the first) outdoor coffee carts in Seattle. Their son, Andrew, was born while in Seattle in 1987. They moved back to Colorado, and Kathy started an outdoor coffee cart in Denver. Their second son, Mitchell, was born in 1989. Soon, thereafter Jay and Kathy divorced.

Kathy took to the hard work of being a single mom. Her sons will tell you that she was strict and taught them good old-fashioned manners. Both of which they now truly appreciate. At the same time, she was the “awesome” sport mom. Being very competitive herself, she would tell them to, “Go fast when skiing, catch big when fishing, and hit hard while playing rugby.”

Kathy was generous of her time and talents. In the 1990’s she worked with CASA, a non-profit for abused and neglected children. She was pivotal in getting the Harmony House in Fort Collins, established as a secured “safe space” for children. After taking the lead as president of CASA, she retired and began a career in real estate in the early 2000’s.

As adults Andrew and Mitchell reflect on her values that she instilled in them. Hard work, humility, kindness, and to always be there for others. These were attributes that Kathy herself lived by. Should there be a friend in need, she would be the first knock on the door. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed bringing a warm meal to soothe the soul.

Kathy loved her life. Skiing being her first passion, she also cherished fly fishing, gardening, golfing, cooking, traveling and learning new cultures, reading and live music with friends and family. She loved her dogs and grieved when they passed. She so treasured her friendships, and it was easy for us all to give that love right back. But what filled her heart to the top was her sons, daughters-in-law and those two wonderful grandchildren.

Kathy was known at times as “Chatty Kathy.” Yet, family and friends knew there was not a time that you could not bend her ear and ask for her advice. She was humble, kind, and honest. Her two adult boys would talk to her quite often, as she was the wise matriarch and a best friend. They described her as “their rock.” Ironically, she loved to find unique rocks, even making stops on the side of the road. At Christmas she would sometimes present them an odd box filled with her favorite rocks. Now, those rocks are considered treasures.

Kathy had a bold, loud, recognizable, and contagious laugh. No matter where you were, follow that laugh and there she would be. One of her most wonderful characteristics. Another, undoubtedly, was that unforgettable smile. She would want us all to continue to laugh, smile, live and love. That is our mom! That is our Kathy!

She is survived by her sons, Andrew (Abby) Andrews of Kelowna, British Columbia, Mitchell (Afton) Andrews of Fort Collins, Colorado. Two grandchildren: Autumn and Angus also from British Columbia. Kathy is predeceased by her parents, Harry and Carol (Kob) Andrews, her brothers Mike and Tom Andrews.

We look forward to celebrating Kathy’s incredible life on Saturday, January 17th, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at The Fort Collins Country Club, 1920 Country Club Road. A reception will follow.

The Andrews Foundation has been established for many years at The United Way of Larimer County. In lieu of flowers, should you choose to contribute, please make checks to United Way of Larimer County, 525 West Oak Street, Suite 101, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521 (please, on memo line remember to request either CASA/Andrews or Child Care/Andrews as these were her preferences) or choose a memorial contribution to a charity of your choice.