Katherine Alice Harbison

Katherine was born in Checotah, Oklahoma to Cordle and Novella Waller. Along with her older siblings: Lonnie, Floyd & Imogene they moved to California in the 1940's. The youngest child, Debbie would be born in 1948.

Katherine met her future husband, Marshall Harbison at Chowchilla Union High School. Her family then moved to Southern California for her senior year at Bell Gardens High School, graduating in 1953. Katherine and Marshall were married on April 8, 1954 in Downey, California. They settled down in Chowchilla and had five children in eight years. In 1964 they moved to the big city, Norwalk, California. They loved Agean Street so much, they lived in three different houses, settling lastly on the corner lot. Through the years, Katherine worked in and out of the house. McDonald Douglas, Gemco and Bookstore manager were only some of her jobs.

In 1976, they moved to Bakersfield where a brand new new home was purchased, something they never had before.

Katherine loved reading, with Agatha Christie and J.D. Robb being her favorite authors. She excelled at sewing and made most of her children's clothes. In later years she scrapbooked. Katherine beautifully redecorated her home in shades of her favorite color teal, now lovingly referred to as "Grandma Green."

The last few years, Katherine bravely fought the effects of Alzheimer's. She passed away on March 30, 2023, cared for and surrounded by family.

Katherine was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Marshall, her parents and older siblings. She leaves behind her dear sister, Debbie and brother in law, Mark Quinn. Children and spouses, Pete and Alison Harbison, Marcella Kennedy, Nancy and Ron Flores, Mike and Sherry Harbison, Angel and Max Newman.

There was a special place in her heart for her fifteen grandchildren, and seventeen great-grandchildren. She will be missed by one and all.

A graveside service for Katherine will be held Thursday, April 20, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, CA 93306.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillcrestmemorial.com for the Harbison family.