Katherine Perrigo

Katherine was born to Henry and Sara (Friesen) Teichroew, July 6, 1929, on a farm near Bingham Lake, Minnesota, and she entered into the arms of her Lord February 21, 2024. Kathy loved Jesus and before her teen years was baptized at Immanuel Mennonite Church in Delft, MN.

Kathy first learned to play the piano by ear, and later took lessons to read sheet music. As a girl in church, she also learned to play the pump organ and as an adult played and owned an accordion.

In 1950 Kathy completed a three-year diploma in Christian Education at Northwestern Bible College (now University of Northwestern) in Minneapolis, MN. Northwestern’s young college president signed her diploma as Wm. F. Graham Jr., soon to be well known as Billy Graham. After completing further studies at Child Evangelism Institute in Pacific Palisades, California, Kathy was called by Child Evangelism Fellowship of Washington. Kathy served as co-director for many years, based in Yakima and driving around the state to support Good News Clubs in all 39 counties.

In 1969 Kathy met Lawrence Perrigo, a Christian logger recovering from a broken leg. Larry had been recruited by his father to drive Kathy and her co-workers and help move equipment for CEF Christmas programs in Western Washington. They married eight months later, August 15, 1970, at her home church in Delft, MN. Their first home was a logging camp called Grisdale, north of Montesano, WA. Kathy and Larry helped in the Sunday school. Logger kids started knocking on their door asking for piano lessons which Kathy then gave. She also put on two recitals for her students. During their years at the logging camp their daughter Sara Marie was born.

In March 1974 they moved to farm an apple orchard near Tieton. During their ten years on the orchard, Kathy worked part time selling Tupperware and later worked in a fruit warehouse. She was also a hostess while Larry served as motorman on Yakima Trolley’s including the Bi-Centennial streetcar. She was Larry’s favorite Trolley Dolly.

The 1982 death of Kathy’s youngest sister, Alice Spencer, brought Alice’s 7-year-old son Christopher into the Perrigo family. Christopher’s college age brother Michael spent summers with them.

Kathy was an active member of West Side Baptist Church nearly 49 years. Eleven of those years she served as Director of Children’s Ministries. She also served in women’s Bible studies, mentored countless women, and their home was always open to others.

Kathy enjoyed quilting and knitting, then gifting items to friends and family. During her early retirement years, she taught knitting and crocheting classes and enjoyed participating in a knitting group.

Kathy’s parents, three sisters, and one brother preceded her in death. Surviving are her husband Larry, daughter Sara Phillips (Eric) of Elk Grove, CA and their children Drew and Mia, son Christopher Spencer (Amy) of Corona, CA and their children Alicyn and Michael, nephew Michael Spencer (Debbie) of Omaha, NE and extended family.

A celebration of Kathy’s life will be at West Side Church, 6901 Summitview Ave, Yakima, WA on Saturday, March 9, 1PM with reception following.

Memorials are preferred to Child Evangelism Fellowship of Yakima or your favorite charity.