Kathryn L. Cloyd

December 28, 1916 – April 25, 2011

Kathryn Luella Cloyd was born on December 28, 1916 in Berkeley California. Her father, Frederick Monroe Essig was a doctoral candidate at the University of California where he received a PhD in Botany. He went on to be a Methodist Minister. Kathryn’s mom, Edna Alvida Peterson, was born in California was a homemaker.

Kathryn had a younger sister, Martha, and a younger brother Robert who preceded her in death. Growing up the family moved very often in California and when Kathryn was in the eighth grade they moved to Kentucky. They drove from California to Kentucky where her father taught at Asberry College. She often spoke of this move and the trip fondly.

The family moved back to Fall Brook, California and later Wilcox, Arizona where Kathryn graduated from Wilcox Union High School as valedictorian, on May 23, 1934. Kathryn attended community college for a year in Arizona.

Kathryn’s mother heard the truth and professed while they were in Wilcox, Arizona. That changed the family forever as her dad moved the family back to Fall Brook, California and eventually left Kathryn’s mom.

In 1936, during the Depression and the World War years, Kathryn and Martha worked as nannies. At age 19, Alma Wiebe – a sister worker – was in the area and Kathryn went to a Sunday morning meeting with her mom and made her choice. At the meeting they sang hymn number 81, “Blessed Footprints of my Savior.” This hymn was always very special to Kathryn.

During the 1940s in Los Angeles there were many young folks in the area. Kathryn made new friends, many were in the military service as the war continued, and she also met and fell head-over-heals for Rayford: A country boy from Montana. It was love at first sight. They were married on February 24, 1942. Shortly after, Rayford was drafted into the Army and sent to New York. Kathryn and her mom lived wherever they could find work during the war.

Rayford returned from the Army and they bought a house on Annan Way where they had an open home for over 40 years. All where welcome; none were strangers.

Kathryn and Rayford’s son Charlie, was born on January of 1947. A daughter Kathleen was born three years later but passed away shortly thereafter. Kathryn was very sad over the loss.

One of Kathryn’s greatest joys was when Tharold Sylvester asked if he could use their address to get his mail. For the next 13 years he stopped by several times a week often with other workers and companions. Kathryn treasured those days and the privileges of an open home.

Rayford and Kathryn moved to West Linn, Oregon in October of 1986 to be near their son, his wife, and three grandchildren.

Rayford passed away on October 10th, 1997 after a slow decline in health.

In 2006 Kathryn moved to an independent care home called The Wilsonville, where she lived in her own apartment until March of 2011. Kathryn enjoyed having the workers stop by and have a meal and visit with her. She made many new friends with the staff and residents of The Wilsonville.

On March 17th Kathryn went to Kaiser Sunnyside Hospital, her health very fragile.

On Friday, April 22, 2011 Kathryn returned to the hospital. By Sunday she was tired of the mechanical breathing help and was ready to go “home.” She passed away at 4:45am peaceably on Monday morning April 25, 2011.

If Kathryn were here today, she would say “It pays to serve Jesus.”

Kathryn leaves behind a son - Charlie, his wife - Nancy, and their three children: Sherolyn, married to Aaron Berdan of Yakima, Washington; Jeffrey Cloyd, married to Jennica of Salem, Oregon; and Brice Cloyd of Cave Junction, Oregon. Kathryn also leaves behind three great grandchildren (Ethan Berdan, McKenzie Cloyd, and Carter Cloyd) and a host of very special friends.

Arrangements under the direction of Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, Portland, OR.