Kathryn Ruth Solum

1959 - 2018

Kathryn Ruth (Evans) Solum passed from this life February 20th, 2018 surrounded by those who loved her most. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, July 6, 1959 to Robert and Mary Evans, she shared the love of the family home with her brothers Bob, Bill and John. The fact that Kathy grew up in a house full of boys never bridled her spirit. She was always genuine & enthusiastic, sometimes even bossy, and always loved & protected. She had a little wild streak, but that never worried her! Her brothers' reputations ensured she was well looked after. Their reputations extended beyond the circles of her alma mater, Del Norte. She grew into a confident, strong, vibrant, determined woman. Through the years, Kathy didn't grow less spoiled by her brothers, but maybe more so. Their kindness was never lost on Kathy, as she was always more considerate of others than herself.

Her brothers were all not at all happy when she suddenly showed up one Christmas with a man that she met at a bar and claimed that it was love at first sight! No matter anyone's objections, she began making wedding plans. Six months later, June 24, 1989, she married Martin Solum, of Albuquerque, New Mexico. They enjoyed a love that was admired by many. Martin's devotion to Kathy began by a chance meeting, and endures, unwaivering beyond her time here.

Their love took them from coast to coast, living in many different cities. Together they experienced the sights of San Francisco where she fell in love with sailing with the help of her favorite catamaran, the Adventure Cat. Unfortunately, in 2003, while working at Reagan National Airport in Arlington, VA, Kathy became seriously ill. Specialists from Georgetown University Medical Center (GUMC) were available for consultation. Kathy was diagnosed with a debilitating auto-immune disease called Wegener's Granulomatosis. Finally, love is what returned her from Scottsdale to Farmington, as her desire to be closer to family grew with the progression of her disease.

Family was the most important thing in Kathy's life. Although Kathy was never gifted with children of her own, she began collecting surrogates when she was a teacher at Kiddie Kollege. Her love for children was most apparent when she was with her nieces and nephews. She never missed an opportunity to spoil them, even when she was ill, because of her fear that they would "out-grow" her. She was the hands-down favorite, no matter the role; daughter, sister, cousin, aunt.

Kathy was preceded in death by her father, Robert, and brother, John. She is survived by her mother, Mary; husband, Martin; fur-babies, Jill, Jasmine and Jiggy; her brothers' Bob and Bill Evans; and sisters' Lisa and Darla Evans. Her nephews include, Robbie (Anna) Evans; Andy (Ashley), Mason and Dylan Evans; Tyler, Carson and Luke Evans. Her favorite niece, Christina (Mitch) Evans, gave herself some tough competition when she gave birth to Layla Mitchell, who instantly won all of our hearts.

A private family ceremony and cremation has taken place. Her care has been entrusted to Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral home. The Family would like to thank the LDS Church of Aztec, especially Ben and Dixie Hatch, Dr.'s Sean Faherty, M.D., Jason Lucas, D.O. and Damon Kalcich, D.O., as well as Basin Home Health and Hospice for their friendship and loving care of Kathy.