Kathleen Myrul Gilstrap

Kathleen Gilstrap passed away in Spokane, WA on August 7, 2026 from health complications that were exacerbated from being evacuated during the Spokane fires. Kathy: wife, mom, missionary, realtor, gift shop owner, graphic designer, public relation specialist, hostess, and outstanding cook. Born on September 29, 1938 in Minneapolis, MN, she came from humble roots where she always craved family and people. She spent her nearly 88 years of life in service to God and others, often around a table sharing the food she made. She loved God, her family, travelling, music, cooking, meeting and gathering people, organizing, trying new things, creating and preserving traditions, sharing her skills, and helping others in practical ways. If Kathy was involved, you knew things would get done with excellence. She was bold, loyal, fierce, outspoken, faithful, realistic, honest, caring, and unassuming. She was a wonderful wife and mom, and we’re forever grateful for her love and care.

Kathy is preceded in death by her mother, Lois (Kitchen) Quarry, her husband of 4 years, Darrell Gauer, and her husband of 44 years, Roger Gilstrap. She is survived by her 3 children and spouses; Joshua and Karen Gilstrap (WA), Tim and Summer Gilstrap (CA), and James and Abby Leman (WA), as well as 8 grandchildren; Jonah, Nathanael (Rachel & Arthur), Sam, JJ, Eden, Malachi, Rhysland, and Annabelle.

Kathy will be laid to rest on August 31st at Fresno Memorial Gardens in Fresno, CA at 9:00 a.m., next to her husband Roger. In true Kathy form, she requested that those who gather share one last meal in her honor, cinnamon rolls, bacon, and coffee at the service- forever the hostess.