Katherine Murray Haynes

Katherine "Kathy" Haynes passed away peacefully at her home in Centennial, Colorado, on June 7th, at the age of 81. She was born on July 11, 1942 in New Rochelle, New York, to Joseph and Emily (Prevost) Murray, she was the younger sister to Joseph Murray Jr. She grew up in New Rochelle and graduated from St. Gabriel’s Catholic High School in 1960. She went on to graduate from a secretarial college in Manhattan, NY and then to work for a PepsiCo distributor.

On St. Patrick's Day, Kathy met Harry Haynes, a handsome Marine, on a blind date arranged by her friend. This date led to their wedding in May 1970, following Harry's return from Vietnam. They welcomed their first daughter, Melissa, a year later. Together, they moved to Gunnison in the spring of 1973. The following year, their son Joseph was born and Laura, their youngest daughter, joined the family in 1978. In 1981, Kathy and Harry purchased land north of Gunnison and built their forever home with the help of friends and Harry’s brothers.

Kathy's career spanned from RBW Bolt Company in Port Chester, NY to Gunnison’s KGUC radio station as an advertising coordinator. In 1985, she accepted a position at the Gunnison County Assessor’s Office as a personal property appraiser. She enjoyed her job and loved her co-workers for 19 years, until her retirement.

Kathy was an active member in St. Peter's Catholic Church. She enjoyed volunteering for Vacation Bible School in the summer and preparing food for funerals hosted by the Alter and Rosary society. She was a Hospice volunteer for many years and loved supporting this organization. Kathy was always up for an adventure from parasailing in Mexico to helping deliver a calf in her nylons and high heels. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and family; she saw the world on several cruises. She loved going to the library, exercising at the Gunnison rec center, crocheting, playing bridge, participating in an Investment Club and shopping Gunnison’s main street to buy gifts.

Yet, Kathy was happiest when all the seats at her dining room table were full. She was known for hosting coffee & muffins in the morning or pulling together a Thanksgiving-like dinner for a crowd in the evening. There was always room at Kathy’s table, and she loved nothing more than having her friends and family around it. She knew her way around a kitchen and we all benefited from her skills and love of being in one. Most of all, she cherished moments with her husband, children, and grandchildren. She was the lynchpin of our family, and she has left a hole in our hearts. We know she will simply be missed for her easy-going personality, joyous laugh, positive outlook and practical nature.

Kathy is survived by her husband of 54 years, Harry, her three children, Melissa Pevarnik (Todd), Joseph Haynes (Dawn), and Laura Griffith (Caleb); her five grandchildren: Lillian and Emma Haynes, Hayden and Trevor Pevarnik, and Benjamin Griffith; her cousin Roger Prevost and beloved nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, brother and cousin, Patty Prevost.

A funeral for Kathy will be held in Gunnison at 10:00 am on July 31, 2024 at St Peter’s Catholic Church, 400 W. Georgia, Gunnison, CO 81230.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St Peter's Catholic Church, Gunnison Library, Hospice of Gunnison, or a charity of your choice.