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Kathy Yechout Obituary
She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Tom, her daughter Kris, son Dan (Helen), sister Pat (Mary), brother Mike (Gayle), five grandchildren, and a large circle of friends.
Kathy grew up in St. Paul, MN, attended high school at St. Joseph's Academy, graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor's degree in elementary education and went on to earn her Masters in Education from the University of Kansas. She was a devoted mother, Air Force wife, and elementary school teacher. Her teaching career spanned 39 years, most of it at The Colorado Springs School and Pioneer Elementary School in Colorado Springs. She is fondly remembered by students and staff for her creative, caring, and effervescent spirit. Her passion for learning and sharing knowledge with thousands of school children had a positive impact on many.
Kathy served as a role model for how to handle life's challenges and how to live life to the fullest. She always chose optimism over pessimism, hope over despair, and love over animosity. She was a bright light with a unique gift of making everyone around her feel accepted, loved, and important.
Kathy will be remembered for her deep devotion to her family, friends, and her community; her joyful and exuberant spirit; her sense of adventure, her love of travel, theater, movies, reading, sewing, and crafts, and her full engagement in a life well lived.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to 'More Books in Children's Hands' (https://morebookscos.org), an organization which works to increase access to age-appropriate books for needy children in daycares, preschools, and kindergarten classrooms throughout the Colorado Springs area. It was started in honor of one of Kathy's best friends, and a teammate elementary teacher, who passed away two years ago. They both strongly believed in the value of having young children introduced to, and immersed in, reading at an early age.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Patty YechoutGough
December 18, 2024
I meant Kathy when I was about nine or 10 years old, she was dating my cousin Tom. She was always so happy and upbeat and inspired me to pursue arts and crafts. Another creative outlets throughout my life. She was God`s best work.
Nicole Greene
June 14, 2024
Kathy was my kindergarten teacher 45 years ago! What a kind, gentle, loving soul.
Patty Yechout Gough
May 27, 2024
I first met Kathy when I was about 10 years old, when she was engaged to Tom. I always remember her happy and joyful smile, and enthusiastic approach to life. In my estimation, she has touched countless young lives now adults over her years both in the classroom and out. There are no words to say that can speak to how much she will be missed by all.
Patty Yechout Gough
Jeanette and Buddy Van Doren
May 16, 2024
Jeanette and Buddy Van Doren
Kathy was one of our dearest friends for SO many years. We shared meals, celebrations, events and many special moments with our dear Kathy. Our trip to Italy with her remains one of the most wonderful memories, visiting both the tourist spots and Jeanette's family's home village, Kathy's unique, loving spirit shone through all that she did, In our hearts, she will always be like a member of our family. Rest in the sleep of peace with Christ our Lord.
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Kristie Mestas
April 7, 2024
Mrs. Yechout was my first and second grade teacher at Pioneer in the 90´s. When anyone asks me about my favorite teacher, my answer was always her. She inspired my love for books and created such a beautiful learning experience for us students. You could tell she truly loved what she did and it has left a lifetime of memories for myself and I´m sure so many other students. Sending so much love to her family and friends.
Susan Gangl
February 14, 2024
Kathy was a classmate of mine at St. Joseph's Academy and yes, "effervescent" and all the words describing her spirit are exactly how I remember her! She will be missed. Susan Gangl
Aaron and Sue Byerley
January 31, 2024
Kathy's effervescence, positivity, devotion to serving others, and wonderful sense of humor enriched our lives for four decades. Her presence lifted our spirits every time we met. Her passing has left a huge hole in our hearts. We will always cherish the wonderful times we shared with her. Kathy will be greatly missed.
Lori and Jerry Sobieck
January 27, 2024
I only met Kathy a handful of times, but what a wonderful, caring person she was! She had a great sense of humor and a huge heart. I know she will be missed be many, many people.
Michael L Smith
January 27, 2024
Kathy was a dear friend who shared her enthusiasm for life with all those she encountered. I first met her in the late 70's when I served at USAFA as a new faculty member. She and her husband Tom were very welcoming and were clearly into building and maintaining the 'family atmosphere' in the Department of Aeronautics. During my future tour in the department in the 1985-2000 time frame, Kathy was a key player in helping build a strong community relationship among the department members and their families. Morale was strong due in large part to Kathy's efforts. We both will very much miss her sense of humor and genuine caring for others. She left this world a better place. May she rest in peace. Mike and Rose Ann
Kathleen McKay
January 23, 2024
So very sorry for your loss.
I first met Kathy at Quilts from the Heart. She always had a smile and was one of the most upbeat and pleasant people I have ever met.
She will be most remembered for her pleasant personality and wonderful smile. We will all miss her!
Kim Flynn
January 18, 2024
I always loved how much creativity and love she gave to her family. Kathy made everyone feel like they mattered and greeted you with a hug. She was the epitome of a loving mom, a great educator who always put others first.
Darlene Strand
January 17, 2024
John and I met Kathy 15 months ago on our trip to Germany. We made the MN connection and had hoped to visit her at her lake place in MN.
We have fond memories of dancing to a polka while in Germany with her.
Rest in peace dear Kathy.
John and Dar Strand
Amy Blanchard
January 17, 2024
Amy Blanchard
January 17, 2024
Amy Blanchard
January 17, 2024
Amy Blanchard
January 17, 2024
Kathy had a very special way of making you feel loved even when you weren´t part of her family. I had the privilege and pleasure of being on a trip with her to Germany and it was a truly special experience.
Kimberly and Chuck
January 16, 2024
It was such a blessing to have Kathy in our lives as our neighbor. She was so fun and always so positive. We will miss our days hanging out on the patio, playing cards, dominoes or nickels and just saying hello in the culdesac. Lots of love and hugs to her family and Tom. Kathy really was a shining star and we will miss her so much.
Kate Friesen
January 13, 2024
I´m so sorry for all of Kathy´s family. What a bright, fun, exuberant person. She made a difference in so many lives. Kate Friesen
Neal and Diana Barlow
January 12, 2024
Kathy was one of the first, if not the first, to reach out to Diana when we came to DFAN in1985. She kept up with us and our kids over the next 40 years. Tom is a mentor to me as was Kathy. Both supported us as Captains and later as we returned as the Department Head. They are a class act as is their entire family. Diana and I will miss her greatly.
BGen Neal and Diana Barlow, rt
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