Kathleen "Kathy" Marie (Kizer) Helseth

Kathleen “Kathy” Marie (Kizer)Helseth was born on September 19, 1949, in Eugene, Oregon, and passed away on February 7, 2026, in Yakima, Washington following a courageous 10-month battle with glioblastoma. She was a woman of deep faith, steady wisdom, and generous love, expressed most often through her hands and her hospitality. She lived a life marked by service, creativity, careful stewardship, and an unwavering commitment to family, church, and community.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Jean; her father, Charles; her brother, Russel; and her sister, Dianne. She is survived by her husband, David; her sons, Danny (Karen) and Michael (Michelle), with grandchildren Makenna and Kyan; her brother, Wayne (Susan); her sister, Beth (Dwayne); and their beloved children.

Kathy had a lifelong love of children, which became her career at Carroll Children’s Center, where she served as teacher, administrator, and director. She showed her care in countless ways—knitting baby blankets, sewing maternity clothes, and immediately connecting with children wherever she went.

Kathy lived a life of deep faith, generosity, and quiet leadership. She was known for her warm hospitality, especially her homemade bread and thoughtfully prepared meals, and for sharing her gifts through knitting, sewing, and quilting. She created prayer shawls, family quilts, and 13 quilts for Cottage Hill Place, believing love was best expressed through care and craftsmanship

Kathy served faithfully in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) at the local, regional, and international levels. At Englewood Christian Church, she served as a deacon, choir member, and committee leader, and was actively involved in outreach ministries, including the Extreme Winter Weather Shelter. She was also a careful steward of family and church finances, a lifelong learner, and a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

A memorial service will be held at Englewood Christian Church on February 21 at 2:00 p.m. Gifts may be made to Carroll Children’s Center in lieu of flowers.

Kathy Helseth will be remembered for her faithfulness, her generosity, her competence, and her quiet leadership. She loved well, served steadily, and left a legacy stitched together with bread, quilts, prayer, and grace. Leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her.