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Kathy Mae Lashier
1958 - 2009
Kathy Mae Lashier
1958 - 2009
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1958
DIED
2009
Kathy Lashier Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Roanoke Times.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Barbara Snyder
May 10, 2021
I put a flower on Kathy´s grave today. I used to go into the Lancer Mart to see Kathy. She always had the most beautiful jewelry on that Gary (her husband) bought her in some far away place. She loved him so and was always telling me of the wonderful places he went to from the ship he worked. Kathy is someone I can never forget. She was truly an angel on earth. I always get tears in my eyes when I walk down to see her resting place.
ROBIN J HARMON
January 27, 2020
I miss you SiS and always will...
Anthony Duke
January 23, 2020
Anthony Duke
January 23, 2020
I miss you so much sister it's been so long since you went to be with the lord but I still think of you every day! I believe you would be proud of me now I finally turned my life around about 5 years ago and I do my best to live right every day. Love always! Your brother Tony!!!!! ☺
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Anthony Duke
July 16, 2016
I love you Kathy and I miss you so much! your brother Tony.
Amelia
March 13, 2014
I was just thinking about you and thought about this book. I miss you a lot! I wish you were here to see how things are now days. Life feels so much better. I think you would be proud of me. I love you. You are in my thoughts often.
Kathy and Robin
Robin Harmon
July 29, 2012
To my sister in heaven I miss you so very much, it has been over 3 years but to me it still feels as if it were yesterday. There is an emptiness in my life without you. I've grown closer and have bonded with Tammy, which is helpful to us both. We comfort each other on those days when we miss you the most. Which is alot. I love you my sis and still miss you soooo very much.
See you in Heaven I know you are there waiting for me.....
Tammy Crawford
January 27, 2010
To my Mom the most beautiful angel in Heaven. It has been a year since i have seen your wonderful smile and heard your amazing laugh. I dont think i told you enough just how much i looked up to you. You are an amazing strong woman. A great Mother and Wife, and my 4 kids were blessed to have such a caring loving Grandmother. As the time goes by you will never be forgotten. We hold you close to our hearts. I love you Momma!!! Send kisses from above and continue to watch over me Charles and the kids...
Love you to the stars and back!!!
Gary LaShier
January 27, 2010
Today is my one year anniversary date of my wife passing away. At 01:00am EST January 27th, I sat in the same dining room chair that she had her heart attack. I was looking over the print out of our last chat session that night as I was working offshore Angola, Africa. I can't help but think how alone she must've been in our house in the middle of the night with no one there other than our dogs. I kept re-reading her very last instant message stating "I don't know what the hell is wrong with me". Remembering trying to get a response from her to no avail and then sending a email request to my daughter Tammy to please check on her the next day. Getting the knock on the door of my cabin on the vessel G.G. Hunter 7.5 hours later and hearing "You've got a emergency phone call". Hearing Tammy hysterically telling me that her Momma's dead.
As I did a year ago, I'm going through those "what if's" and regrets that I have no control of. Why didn't I call home when Kathy didn't respond to me on the computer?. Why couldn't this have happened when I was home? If I was home, I could've saved her life. Why didn't I tell her I love her more often? She deserved so much better. Of course I did alot of things right in my relationship with Kathy, but all I keep focusing on is what I could've done better. In the months that immediately followed, I truly understood how alone Kathy was when I was working offshore (I work 5 weeks offshore and home for 5 weeks). Knowing how much of a people person she was, that had to be a lonely feeling, which in turn made me realize and feel guilty at the same time, that I put her through that. These are just some of the things that I've put myself through from time to time. I do snap out of it eventually as I realize that there's no answering these and other questions and doubts that I put myself through and I am trying harder and harder each day to accept it for what it is. It was Kathy's time to go and there's never a good time for a surviving spouse to accept that, but at some point I do realize that I have to. It is not an easy task as the loss is still recent for me.
I've gone through looking at pictures, videos, and personal items in the house today. I believe it's got to be the most bittersweet experience that one can put one self through when looking at memories of the past of a departed spouse. For me, I can only do it for so long, before I break down and have to stop. It is still too painful. It's as if Kathy's everywhere and nowhere at the same time. My Dining Room has become the "Forbidden Zone" of the house as that was Kathy's favorite room and also the same room that she died in. I rarely get visitors from friends and family and I completely understand that. I wasn't there when Kathy passed away and alot of family members were there when she was found dead. I know the memories have to be painful for them as well and am not upset with anyone because of them keeping their distance. I've tried some minor remodeling in the house to try and make things easier for myself and visitors. I've redone my master bedroom and I still don't sleep in there. I sleep on the couch with my dogs. I redone Kathy's office and turned that into my spare room and that has turned out to be my favorite room of the house and where I spend most of my time when I'm home.
After putting myself through all that emotional pain, I came to realize that I've got to look at the postives from the experience of my relationship with Kathy and below is what has gotten me through this loss so far;
1. I'm grateful that I had experienced "love at first sight" and absolute true love the day I met Kathy. I know that not everyone had been as fortunate.... See More
2. Thankful for sharing 24 years of my life with someone as special as Kathy. She truly made me a better person not only in the time I was with her, but it carries on to this day.
3. Learned that you don't need a "degree" to know and do the right things. I was able to draw from Kathy's life experiences and how she dealt with them and I try and apply that everyday. What a big heart Kathy had.
4. Grateful to the Vinton Vet for setting up a foundation for pets in her memory. There was no one that I've ever met in my life that loved animals more than Kathy. I believe this was the right thing to do and I believe Kathy would've wanted it that way.
5. Am extremely thankful to listening to Kathy just months before her passing about what she wanted me to do with my life if she passed away. Not a comfortable conversation to have with anyone, but out of love and respect for her, I did. I'm so glad I did. Just know Kathy, I'm really trying to move on with my life. It's just not easy.
6. So thankful that I still have our dogs Blue & Gracie in the house when I'm home. Everytime I see the love in their eyes, it reminds me of the love in Kathy's eye's.
These are some of things that have gotten me through those rough days and keep moving on. For me, it all comes down to this. Anyone that's lost a special loved one (especially a spouse), all you keep wishing for is having more time with them. You hope that they are in a better place and are at peace. I've also realized that a lost loved one lives on through you with the memories, influence, love, and soul and effect your actions as you move forward in life. I'm still on life's journey. I'm just trying to figure out where I go from here and trying not to be so hard on myself.
I Will Always Love You Kathy,
Your Husband & Soul Mate
Gary
Sheena Duke
January 27, 2010
we miss you and love you soo much. you were the highlight of the holidays, you knew how to make everyone laugh and smile. you are in our memories and our hearts. i will see you in heaven some day i hope that smile is still on ur face when i see you.. you may yell and get mad at us sometimes but we always knew that u loved us nomatter what we did. thats whats was so great bout you. you brought the family together on the holidays. i cry sometimes cause i think of you but then i remember the great n fun times we had together, and it makes me feel better. your always in our hearts. may u rest in peace. ~SHEENA~
January 27, 2010
Kathy you are always in our heart and always in our prayers. This has been a year of hell with out you. You were the bond that held this family together. Its been one year today. It;s been a very long year without you. We love and miss you sis. Rest In Peace. Eddie and Shirley Duke
Ronald Duke
January 24, 2010
Kathy, you have and always will be close to my heart, i will always miss you Love You Always,,,,,,,,,Ronnie
Melissa Acosta
January 22, 2010
You are never further than a thought away Kathy. I miss you more than you could ever realize. Things are just not the same in the family without you... I love you.. Rest in Peace. -Missy
Loree Cole
January 21, 2010
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
With my deepest sympathies...
January 21, 2010
To my Sis, I love and miss you. I think about you always, some days are easier and others are difficult, I took it for granted that you were always a phone call away, but we will meet again in Heaven and it will be for eternity...
Love Always
Your Sis...
January 21, 2010
To my dearest daughter, I love and miss you so much. Your are in my thoughts daily.
With Love
Mama
KATHY MAE LASHIER
Your Family Harmon
January 21, 2010
IN LOVING MEMORY OF KATHY MAE LASHIER
THE BROKEN CHAIN
We little new that morning that God was going to call your name, In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone, For part of us went with you, the day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same, But God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.
Unknown Author...
WITH LOVE ALWAYS:
12/28/1958 TO 01/27/2009
Crystena McCauley
July 2, 2009
I was so shocked when I found out about Kathy passing.We have been friends for years sometimes we would go months or a year and not talk to each other then all of a sudden one of us would call the other one. We where room-mates In Norfolk and best firends .We where like sisters to each other. We had good times and bad times but we always had each other to lean on. I will miss her forever. It will take me sometime to accept her passing and to forgive myself for not being in touch with Tammy so she could reach me when she needed me the most. Tammy I will always stay in touch with you and try to always be a phone call away if ever you need to talk or anything. You are in my heart and my prayers. I will miss her smile the most, it would always let me know I was at home with my best friend and my big sister. She was my dearest firend in the world.I adored her and looked up to her and got my guidence from her she wasone of a kind and a true friend not jsut to me but everyone she met. Like the poem states she was an angel on earth and now she is an angel in heaven watching over her most treasured , chareshied gifts in the world, You and your babies. She loved you all so much, more then you will ever know. It is hard now to think about life without her in it, In time the pain will ease and you will move on but she will forever be in your life . When you smile and when you laugh or hug and kiss your kids, She will be their wrapping her arms around you. Showering you with her love.Guiding and protecting you always.
Crystena Diane (Sallee) McCauley
Scott McCauley
July 1, 2009
Was So Very Sadden to hear of Kathy's Passing. My deepest thoughts and prayers are with you Tammy & Family!
Kathy has not been forgotten & remains in our hearts for she was a wonderful person with a heart of gold!
Robin Harmon
February 24, 2009
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
Robin Harmon
February 23, 2009
To my sister, I love you. I will miss you always. I thank God that he Blessed me with you as a sister. I will cherish every memory of you always. My life will never be the same without you in it. My heart breaks for you sis...
Sarah Sink
February 5, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Barbara Snyder
February 3, 2009
I am so shocked to hear of Kathy's passing. I adored her. I knew her for years when she worked at Lancer, we laughed and talked endlessly. Kathy would show me another lovely piece of jewelry her husband would buy her for no special reason at all and I knew they had a wonderful relationship even though he had to be at sea for long periods. Kathy was a friend, a kind and thoughtful friend and I am still in shock. I do not know what happened, would someone please contact me and let me know? I am so sad for all of you, I know your hearts are broken, she was an angel on earth and now she is an angel in heaven.
Tracey Davilla
February 2, 2009
Kathy will always have a very near and dear place in my heart as my friend. I will echo the words of all the others that have signed, if you ever had a chance to meet Kathy or to know her, you will always remember her. She never met a stranger. I love you dear friend. And to Gary, Tammy, Barbara and family, I know Kathy loved you all with all of her heart. Kathy, you will be very much missed. From my family to yours, we offer our deepest sympathy. See you someday again my friend.
Gary LaShier
February 1, 2009
There are very few people that you will meet in the course of your lifetime that will leave you with a lasting and permanent impression on your life. If you were fortunate enough to have known Kathy, you knew that she was one of those people. Kathy had such a big heart. She thought more of others than herself. If you needed to talk, she was always there to listen. She was the most compassionate person that you will ever meet. Kathy loved family above all else. Family meant more to her than anything . The love Kathy was given was returned 1000 times greater. Kathy loved interacting with people. She was so easy to talk to. Whether it was family, friends, co-workers, and even strangers, whatever she would say, would always come from the heart. Knowing and being around Kathy, you would be left with the feeling that she had touched your soul. The world would be such a better place if there were more people like her. If you knew Kathy, you also knew that she was a passionate animal lover. She had a love for all living things in this world. Kathy cared about every living thing around her. That’s because she was so full of love, that she wanted to share that with everything and everyone around her. It was a pure joy to see Kathy smile, laugh and truly be happy. You couldn’t help but be compelled to do anything for her because you knew she would do anything for you. Kathy treated everyone she had ever met with respect and was thoughtful of others. She made you a better person just by being with her and talking to her. Kathy’s passing has deeply effected everyone that knew her. It feels like a void that will never be filled again. The grieving that all that knew her, will ease with time. Her life should be celebrated and feel fortunate that in whatever way to you, she had been a part of your life. May you rest in peace Kathy. You are in a better place now. You will never be forgotten. You will live on in our hearts, memories, and soul.
I Will Love You Always & Forever,
Your Husband For Eternity,
Gary
Amanda Duke
January 31, 2009
Kathy I Will miss u alot!!! I will always will remeber our good times togeher. i remeber the last thing u ever said to me was i love you and ill never forget that... i wish u would of met my lil one i know you watching over us now!! ill will see u again one dy kiss tido 4 me!!! love you always AMANDA
Kathy Duke 4/6/1983
January 31, 2009
Mary McGlothlin
January 31, 2009
Kathy, I knew you only for a brief time, through your sister (Robin), and know that you will be truly missed by your family & friends. You are now in the most wonderful place there could ever be. Love, Mary
Wanda and Dean McDaniel
January 31, 2009
God saw her getting tired,The cure was not to be. God put his arms around her And whispered "Come to me". A precious heart stopped beating, Hard working hands came to rest. God broke so many hearts to prove He only takes the best.
Mark Thomas
January 31, 2009
Let us pray for the LaShier Family.
Doris Duke & Family
January 31, 2009
You will be missed. May you rest in peace.
Tony Duke
January 30, 2009
My sister I love you very very much, it's breaking my heart and I'm going to miss you so much. You will always be in my heart...
Michael Gillespie
January 30, 2009
There comes a time in one’s life when they wish that maybe they could take back something that was said out of anger. Or maybe sit quietly and try not to think about all of the terrible things that happened in a lifetime. Amazing how so many times after losing a special person we wish…we wished for things that could never happen again. Sometimes the pain is covered with hope that we could just have that last moment all over again. God gathers those that are needed when we think it’s the wrong time. The pain tells us there isn’t any good time to lose a loved one. So many times we want to ask why me and why now? God’s timing tells us that it is time for her to go and in the blink of an eye his will be done. Please hear me when I say my heart goes out to each and every one of you. I have been in the family for over 25 years now. The parties in the park, the cookouts at the lake or maybe just a cold beer on a Saturday afternoon echo the love that I have witnessed in your family. Your family has sustained major trials and tribulations in their lives and what I have seen over the years is a family thats pulls together to share the pain and I am forever grateful to know you all. When I needed a laugh or a hug, you all were there. I thank God tonight that I was able to hear Kathy’s laughter. And as I look throughout her pages, I noticed the way she said she felt that day…blessed. I encourage you all to offer a hug or maybe lend a smile to each other, because I’ve watched this pain before and I saw a family pull together. To my best friend Eddie, I am sorry for your loss brother, and to the rest of the family, please know that my heart is with you tonight. Gary, I think you two made an incredible couple and when I were around you guys, you treated me like family and so I want to thank you. Tammy, so nice to hear from you. I spoke to you about your children and as I gazed through all of the wonderful pictures I am reminded that you created a Grandmother and she appeared to be very happy. And so believe in me that your Momma lives on in the lives of your children. So continue to nurture them and teach them just as you were, I know this because I watched it. To Robin and Missy, my prayers are with you both. I encourage you to talk about your sister and all of the wonderful times you were able to share with her. The love sisters have is an incredible bond that will never be taken from you. And to Barb, I am truely sorry for your loss. Nothing in this world prepares us for what has happened but I hope God heals your wounds with his love. I know the love your family has to offer is a very powerful love and so I hope the embrace you feel warms your heart. I will keep you all in my prayers as the coming months pass. I wish you the best in your journey and hope to one day see you all again. With sympathy in my heart, Michael Gillespie
Amanda L. Duke
January 30, 2009
kathy u were a great aunt. i always had a smile on ur face. we will miss u so much. u will be remebered not only in our hearts but im our memories u felt with us. i love u aunt kathy, i will see u in heaven. i love u nd u will be missed dearly.
Amanda L. Duke
January 30, 2009
kathy u were a great aunt. nd always had a smile on ur face. u will be missed by many nd ur loved by everyone. u r very special to us. u will be remembered not just in our hearts but all the memories u left with us. i love u aunt kathy nd we will meet again in heaven. we miss u so much nd love u dearly.
Diane Conner
January 30, 2009
Dear Tammy,
I am so sad to hear about your Momma, Murphy, Dennis, Chad, Shelly & I are always here for you. We will miss your Mom very much. She was my first friend when the kids and I moved to Vinton. We love you
Diane
Theresa Duke Newland
January 30, 2009
Warm Summer Sun
Warm summer sun,
Shine kindly here,
Warm southern wind,
Blow softly here.
Green sod above,
Lie light, lie light.
Good night, dear heart,
Good night, good night.
By Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens)
The Poetry Foundation
Barbara Gish
January 30, 2009
To my beautiful daughter, my first born, I love you so dearly. I will always hold you in my heart until we meet again in heaven. I will miss you so very much. First to be born and the first to leave me. Love Forever Mom...
Donna Lu & Craig Troccia
January 30, 2009
Dear Gary and family, you have our deepest sympathies. We are praying for you all in your time of bereavement , and hope you can find comfort in knowing Kathy is in a much better place. She was the kindest , and most thoughtful person we have known.We know how much she loved all of her family and her dogs. She was a very gentle caring person and will be deeply missed. She was my best friend and I loved her.With love and sympathy.
Bridgett Clark
January 30, 2009
May God Bless you and be with your Family.
Becky & David Akers
January 30, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
January 30, 2009
I love you Momma
January 29, 2009
January 29, 2009
January 29, 2009
Robin Harmon
January 29, 2009
My sister and my best friend I will miss you sis, there will be a void in my life that can't be filled until I see you again in heaven. I LOVE YOU AND I MISS YOU SO MUCH.
Missy Acosta
January 29, 2009
I love you so much Kathy and I am going to miss you more than anything. I wish there was something that I could do or say to bring you back to us. Rest in peace my beautiful sis..
Jane LaShier
January 29, 2009
Gary, Tammy & Family
I am so very sorry for your loss, she will be missed by many. I will also miss her dearly, my long distance best friend. God had a purpose for her, she has a big heart the size of Texas. God must of needed her to help him. Please contact me...
We love and miss you
Kelly Jones
January 29, 2009
Tammy, Gary and all other family members....Dave and I were so very sorry to hear of Kathy's unexpected passing. Kathy was a very giving and kind person and we have fond memories of knowing and working with her. At this very trying time, love one another with patience and compassion and honor Kathy for the person she was. Dave and Kelly Jones
eddie,shirley & family duke
January 29, 2009
we are in a sad time right now . we lost the best sister and aunt the lord could give.kathy u will be missed by us all. see ya in heaven.
Terri Anderson
January 29, 2009
Tammy I was so sorry hear about your Mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I always enjoyed working with her at Lancer. Your Mom was a great person and will be missed.
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