Kathryn L. Goracke

Kathryn "Kathy" Lee Goracke, 72, of Bellfountain, passed away on 7/22/2025 due to heart failure. Kathy was known for her deep love for others, shown through the countless ways she cared-remembering birthdays, sending cards, baking cookies and Chex Mix, giving thoughtful gifts, listening with empathy, showing up when it mattered most, offering warm hugs, cheering at sporting events, and always saying "love you." Born May 16, 1953, in Corvallis, Oregon, Kathy grew up in Bellfountain, attended Bellfountain Grade School, and graduated Monroe Union High School. She later studied at Northwest Christian College. On April 26, 1975, she married her perfect match, Jeff Goracke. They recently celebrated 50 wonderful years together, a partnership marked by love, service, travel, and unwavering support for one another. Kathy's faith was the cornerstone for being the prayerful, loving, service-oriented, generous, joy-filled, person she was. She and Jeff raised their family in two faith communities: St. Rose and Bellfountain Community Church. Kathy led music and co-taught religious education classes at St. Rose, and she helped with Vacation Bible School, Child Evangelism Fellowship, and Children's Church at Bellfountain. Kathy loved sheep and helping support Country Critters 4-H group. She encouraged countless kids over the years with their 4-H projects. She delighted taking care of farm animals, cats, and dogs over her lifetime. She left the world a better, kinder place. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Marjorie Lee, and her sisters, Laura Smith and Carmen Lowrie. She is survived by her loving husband Jeff; her children Betty Goracke Olguin (Tim), Paul Goracke (Heidi, FDIL), and Grace Vilagi (Palmer); and her beloved grandchildren Jonathan, Charlie, Lily, Olive, Melody, Nicole; and brother Larry Lee. She is also remembered with love by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.