Kathryn Alice Childress

Kathryn (Katie) Alice Claybaugh Childress age 80, of Wayzata, MN passed away 10/8/2025 after a 4 year battle with lung cancer. Katie is preceded in death by her husband Guy Childress, Jr., step-children Mary (Carter) Sanford, Marvin (Timothy) and parents Robert Claybaugh, Jessie (Claybaugh) Burcham and step-father John Burcham. She is survived by her loving children Jessi Holtorf and Charlie Childress, son-in-law Josh Holtorf, step-son Patrick Childress, brother Bob Claybaugh, grandchildren Cameron, Sean and Devin, nephews Keith and Andy Claybaugh and great nephew and nieces Kyle, Allison, Genevieve and Jules. She also leaves behind many cousins and friends throughout the US and UK.
Born in Appleton, WI, Katie grew up in Kansas City, MO and graduated from Raytown High school. She then attended Kansas Sate University where she obtained a BS in Physical Education. After graduating from University she joined the US Air Force as a civil servant where she held various management positions in Korea, Minot, ND, and Duluth, MN. Settling in Wayzata, Katie spent time at home with her children, one of her greatest joys, before returning to work at Northwest Animal Hospital as a Veterinarian Technician, then to work at North Short Gymnastics Club in Administration.
Katie had a great love for nature, the arts, traveling and a thirst for knowledge that could never be quenched. Her travels took her all over the world where she loved to learn about other cultures and perspectives. Strong in her faith, Katie was actively involved in her church, Minnetonka United Methodist Church, singing in the choir, crocheting prayer shawls, traveling with mission trips to Panama and Honduras and volunteering her time whenever she as able.
Katie gathered love and friendship wherever she went. Her energy and spirit for life and adventure will be greatly missed by all who hold her dear.
A Celebration of Life service with be held on Saturday May 2nd, at Minnetonka United Methodist Church, 17611 Lake St Ext, Mtka, MN. Visitation at 10 AM, service at 11 AM. Memorial donations to Minnetonka UMC or Lung Cancer research are suggest in lieu of flowers .

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