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BORN
1953
DIED
2011
FUNERAL HOME
Kathy Fitterer Obituary
WA and passed away June 24, 2011 at home surrounded by her loving family.
Kathy was a loving mother, grandmother, wife, and friend. Her ability to express her true
feelings and her quick wit endeared her to friends.
Being the baby of the family, Kathy grew up extremely close to her mother. The
Bender family was a close knit one with many family gatherings. She remained close
to her siblings and cousins her entire life.
Kathy met the love of her life, Pat, in 1966 at Morgan Junior High. After a brief
7th grade romance, they remained friends through high school. They graduated from
Ellensburg High School in 1971 but didn't reunite romantically until a few years later and married on July 31, 1976. They had their first daughter, Karly, in 1978 and second daughter, Mindy, in 1981. Kathy adored her girls and dedicated herself to them.
She was also the number one fan of her husband's boys basketball teams and over the years she became a mother figure to many of those boys. Kathy was one of the most creative and talented women you'd ever meet. Her daughters' photo albums are filled with homemade outfits for them and their dollies. Those closest to her were blessed to receive one of her beautiful quilts. If you became a friend of Kathy's, you were a friend for life. Kathy enjoyed her yearly outings with her closest high school friends. She was also the first person you would receive a card from if you were feeling down or deserved a pat on the back.
Kathy's ultimate joys were her three grandsons. She discovered a whole new kind of love when she met her grandson Kai and that was magnified times two with the additions of grandsons, Bode and Kohen. In her final days she was surrounded by people she touched in every aspect of her life.
Her father George Bender and mother Alice Bender precede Kathy in death.
Kathy is survived by her husband Pat Fitterer of Yakima, daughter Karly (Fitterer) and
Mike Floyd and grandsons Kai and Bode Floyd, daughter Mindy (Fitterer) and Brad
Schultz and grandson Kohen, sister, Susan (Pat) Taylor of Ellensburg, brother, George
(Sharon) Bender of Ellensburg, sister, Mary Martin of Tulsa, OK and many more cousins, nieces, nephews, and other extended family.
Kathy's wishes were that those attending her memorial service wear her favorite color, pink. The memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 2, 2011, at the C.W.U. Music Center followed by a gathering at West Star Ranch in Ellensburg. In lieu of flowers, donations in Kathy's name may be made to North Star Lodge c/o Keith & Keith Funeral Home, 902 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902.
Keith & Keith Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kathy Fitterer
Scott and Shari Stevens
July 12, 2011
Pat,I am so sorry for your loss of Kathy. I always enjoyed her company when we were sitting on the bench watching you boys play softball in Yakima. We could always share a laugh or two and some kid talk. I knew Kathy to be a great mom and sports fan and what lucky little boys to have both of you as grandparents. Our thoughts are with you.
Fredrik Busch
July 8, 2011
Pat; I am so sorry for your loss. Kathy was one of the nicest girls in school and I always enjoyed her company. Her bright and happy personality won her many close friendships; she was just a great person to be around. You were blessed to have married such a wonderful woman who became such a loving mother and wife. You and your family are in our prayers.
John McKinstry
July 8, 2011
Pat-
My cousin JB(Louie's daughter) recently told my sister about Kathy and I am hoping that you will accept my deepest condolences. Of course I knew George Jr. & Alice through the years and regret not knowing Kathy more than just meeting her. Those of us that did not get to know her better have missed out on a wonderful person. My best to you & your family. God Bless....JL
July 5, 2011
Pat, Karly & Mindy,
The Kiracofe family is so sad to hear about Kathy. I loved sitting with her at the Sehome basketball games and talking endlessly. She was a great lady and dearly loved her family. You are all in our thoughts.
Tina & Ron Kiracofe, Manhattan Beach, Ca
Ward L Fridrich
July 4, 2011
Pat, We were so sad to hear of your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ward L Fridrich and Family
Jody Ayers
July 4, 2011
Kathy will be truly missed. I lost contact with her many years ago but will always remember her warm smile and kindness. I suppose my favorite memory was of our first boy-girl party my parents let me throw at our house and that is where she found her love of her life Pat. You will be truly missed Kathy and I know you will be looking down at everyone and smiling. My deepest sympathies for Pat and the girls. Jody Ayers
Angela Gavin-Hauf
July 2, 2011
I am so sorry about your lost. Kathy was a very special and wonderful person.
Larry Dawson
July 2, 2011
To both families, our thoughts are with you all.
Mari Mills
July 2, 2011
Pat and Karly and Mindy,
I am truely sorry for your loss of Kathy, she was a rare jewel. I loved her like a sister and I just wish that I had more time with her as I know you do too. She left her imprint on all of our lives and I will always hold her dear to my heart. Please keep in touch and remember that if you ever feel like a pot of beans, just give a call. I love all you guys and you will be in my prayers,
Mari Mills
Glenn Knutson
July 2, 2011
Pat and family I was so sorry to hear about Kathy's passing. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this period of grief.
Geri Young
July 2, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Karly, as well as your whole family during these difficult times. God bless.
Janet Glenn
July 2, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Leslie Hansen
July 2, 2011
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy & Jeff Snowden
July 2, 2011
Jeff and I are so sorry to hear of Kathy's passing. She was always so cheerful and funny. I am glad I got to know her. Condolences to Pat, her daughters and all her family.
Marcia Hedrick
July 1, 2011
It seem as though my family has known the Bender and Fitterer families our entire lives. I guess that this is so hard to comprehend for I keep seeing Kathy as we were in grade school. I am so sorry Pat for your loss, but Kathy will never be forgotten. When I think of Kathy, I see that beautiful smile of hers. She will always be with you. Hugs!
Tom Eckert
July 1, 2011
Pat and Family. My sincerest condolences. Pat, I always felt you and Kathy were born to be together, and I know how much you'll miss her. Please take good care, old friend, and know my thoughts are with you.
Matt Baughn
July 1, 2011
Kathy was my 8th grade duty ( back in the early 1990s along time ago) and I still remember how great of a lady she was always brightened your day.
SUSAN BAXTER
July 1, 2011
So very sorry for your loss. Losing a sibling is truly heart breaking. I have great memories of our families spending time together when we were you young. Susan was pragmatic, George made us all laugh, Mary was daring and, Kathy was always sweet.
SUSAN (VIETZKE) BAXTER
Kara Kisena
June 30, 2011
My little girls all have quilts from kathy. As i was becoming a mom for the first time there wasnt a woman, wife, mom that i looked up to more than kathy.
June 30, 2011
Pat and family- I was very sad to read about Kathy's passing. She was a very special person. She always made you feel special! She was so kind and always had a smile on her face. I'll miss the Christmas Cards! Cindy Andrews
Kurt Oberleitner
June 30, 2011
Pat and family. You are in our prayers and hearts. Sorry for you loss.
Kurt and Sandee Oberleitner
June 30, 2011
Kathy has always been a model of love and devotion to her family. She also lit up the schoolhouse with her smile and kindness while at Larrabee. Rob McElroy
June 30, 2011
Dear Pat and family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time. We remember you and Kathy well even after all the years. She will be remembered as a very loving person, especially by those boys who played on your teams. God bless you.
Leo and Linda Roberts
Michelle Mayer
June 30, 2011
Coach Pat and family you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Andrew Roberts
June 29, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Pat and fitterer families. I keep having thoughts of our season and Kathy and of course your daughter cheering with the cheerleaders.
Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results
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