Katherine Lynn Yelton

Katherine Lynn Green Yelton, beloved wife, mother, sister, daughter, and aunt passed away peacefully in Temple, TX from cancer on Wednesday, February 26th, 2025. She was surrounded by family and was her loving, caring, humorous self until the end.

She was born on Ellsworth AFB in Rapid City, South Dakota on July 31, 1964 to Francis and Joan Green, and was the youngest of five siblings. Kathy was raised as a military child, therefore, grew up all over the world with her parents and sisters. Her mother, Joan, passed while Kathy was only 16 years old, so, under the guardianship of her sister, Karen, she moved to Germany and attended Karlsruhe High School. While still in Germany, she married her first husband, Bora Soyalp, in 1983 and gave birth to her only child, Krystal Yasemin Soyalp in 1984. After another six years overseas, she returned to the United States where she met her true love, Michael Earl Yelton, and married on October 14, 1995. The two of them moved to Sandy Oaks, Texas and raised both Krystal, as well as Micheal's son, Kathy's stepson, Mikey.

Katherine was a devoted mother to Krystal, who was her pride, joy, and her whole world. The two of them were as close as anyone can be, endlessly committed to each other’s well-being and happiness. Katherine dedicated herself not only to her daughter, but also to her extended family, including nieces, nephews, stepchildren and step-grandchildren – all of whom felt the love and support she so freely and effortlessly provided.

Katherine took special joy in caring and providing for family and friends. She was always quick to smile and laugh and approached life with a child-like appreciation. She had fond memories of family gatherings, traveling, mini getaways with her daughter, and spending time making and maintaining friendships. She had many hobbies including multiple crafts and running 5Ks with daughter and friends. She was an animal lover and had a particular affection for pugs.

Katherine was preceded in death by husband, Michael Earl Yelton, mother, Joan Mae Green, father, Francis James Green, brother, Gail Stephan Green, sister, Linda Kay Earls, step-son, Michael Earl Yelton, Jr., and brother-in-law, Richard Otto Griffin and is survived by daughter, Krystal Yasemine Soyalp, sisters, Teresa Frances Griffin and Karen JoAnn Jacobsen, step-mother, Stephanie Mize Green, six nieces & nephews, and multiple step-grandkids, who will never forget the love and laughter she brought to their lives.

Katherine would want to send a special thank you to everyone that helped care for her during her final days, especially her devoted daughter who remained by her side until the end. Whether it was sending encouragement and love or showing up and holding her hand while crying together – she appreciated it all. Even at her weakest, she was still staying strong for everyone else, laughing and enjoying the company.

Services are still being coordinated. In lieu of flowers, donations to Pug Rescue of Austin would be appreciated.