Katherine Jo "Katie" Ambrose

Having grown up in the Joe and Bettie Fitterer family, Katie was destined to be an outdoor girl. The words she lived by were: "Look for the magic in every day wonders." She never lost her sense of wonder and would not let others she cared about lose theirs. Her face will be seen in the wildflowers she loved and the giant trees that she hugged, and the bluebirds that nested at the Ambrose cabin. Katie passionately loved the natural world. In the words of an army buddy in Panama Canal Zone, she "was a breath of fresh air." And indeed she was throughout her lifetime. She was born on May 8, 1947 on Mother's Day. Having a larger than life Father and growing up with four brothers, JD, Geoff, John and Karl, she had to be tough. She was told there were things she could not do because she was a girl. That did not sit well with her. She was always driven to do the best she could at everything she did.

The Fitterers spent many weekends camping, horseback riding, hiking and in the winter skiing. In high school she loved being a cheer leader. Katie enjoyed sports ever since. She was named Rodeo Queen in her senior year which was another source of considerable pride for her. Some of her closest friends are Ellensburg High class mates.

She proudly was the first woman to become a "maintenance man." for 15 seasons at Mount Rainier National Park. They had to change the title to maintenance worker. She maintained the generators, and water systems for Sunrise and White River. The time spent at Mount Rainier, working and hiking trails with friends and family were times she always proudly remembered. She then worked at a plant nursery on Whidbey Island where she became manager.

Having been born on Mothers day, it goes without saying that she was a good mom to their son Brandon. He was an outdoor boy from the very beginning. His first word was "bird" because he spent so many hours outdoors being carried in a backpack. Katie's love for Brandon is endless. Then along came grandson Reilly, who spent many days with his grandparents when he was young. Between grandparents and his father, being at home in the outdoors was natural for him. Reilly, Brandon and his wife Dawn, are a living heritage of Katie's love.

She loved traveling with Dick and hiking trails in the United States, and throughout the world. She was always in the lead on a trail.

She will always be remembered for her toughness, strength, cheerful disposition and sense of humor. We will remember her warmth, kindness, her spark and zest for life, her laughter, and a smile that lit up a room.

After a courageous fight with cancer, the spirit left her body at sunrise on April 16 with loved ones by her side. She now soars with the eagles on high. Her bright light will forever shine on those who loved her

and will always celebrate her memories.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Dick Ambrose, their son Brandon and wife Dawn, grandson Reilly Ambrose, and brothers JD, Geoff, John and Karl Fitterer.