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Kathleen Umphrey Obituary

UMPHREY, Kathleen
Born December 1, 1950, and passed away on July 24, 2006. Preceded in death by her parents, Richard L. and Norma Gwen Rickett; she is survived by her son Steven Robert Umphrey; daughter Shawnee Aline Tharp; 2 brothers, Darrell Rickett and Wesley Rickett; sister Tammy Green and 2 grandchildren. Although she will be missed, we know she is in a better place. Services will be private.

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Published by The Sacramento Bee from Jul. 30 to Jul. 31, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Kathleen Umphrey

14 Entries

Aunt Betty Cosgrove

September 11, 2006

I've just read the many beautiful tributes to Kathy and it saddens me that I never lived near enough to Kathy when she became an adult to really get to know her.

I remember hearing stories aboout "the great escape artist". When Dick and Norma lived in Lewiston and Kathy was not very old, she loved to be outside. She somehow figured out how to unlatch the screen door, so Dick had to raise the latch up high on the door so she couldn't get out. One day Norma was apparently involved and not paying close enough attention to Kathy, so Kathy got a broom stick and pushed up the latch on the door and escaped. As I recall, she was found outside in only her underpants. It seems like it was during cold weather, but I'm not too sure about that. All I remember hearing was how terrified Norma was until she was found.

I'm so sorry this entry is so late, but I also let living get in the way of life. As late as this is, I send my condolences to her children, grandchildren, sister and brothers, and all the nieces and nephews, cousins and those who loved her so dearly.

May God Bless and comfort you all.

Carol Johnson

August 26, 2006

Kathy was a very beautiful little girl with blonde curly hair. Norma would dress her in cute dresses and black patten leather shoes and she would strut around like she was the princess of the ball.

Kathy was about 8 years old when they moved to Lorenzo. With all the cousins living side by side, it made fun for all, playing together and making up their own games to play. Catching the school bus to go to school. And in the summer it was swimming in the canel or going to Riverside swimming pool. Kathy and Luena were best of friends, and were only 14 months different in age. Every Christmas was a joyful celebration for the whole Johnson clan; Grandma Johnson would sure have a lot of dolls put under her bed for Santa to deliver.

My prayers are with all the family in the loss of there Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, etc.

Love, Aunt Carol

Debra Garrett

August 7, 2006

Kathy is my older cousin and I too have many memories of our childhood. I am glad that I was able to see her one more time when I lived in California. It was a very enjoyable Thanksgiving day at Tammy and Randy's home visiting with them and their family, Uncle Dick and his wife Penny, and Kathy.

Kathy is now in a better place and, in time, we will see her again. My prayer is for God to comfort her closest loved ones in their time of sorrow.

Penny Rickett

August 3, 2006

Kathy's time here on earth will us is finished; but she is not gone, just away. We will meet again one day, and a celebration we will have.

My sympathies especially to her children, Steven and Shawnee, her siblings, her grandchildren, and to all of her family.

Kathy always made me feel welcome in her family, and very special as the second wife of her father. Kathy always remembered me on Mother's Day; something that always made me feel wonderful.

Kathy had so many wonderful traits, and was always so enthusiastic. Kathy was so talented, and would attempt anything!

And Kathy was such a proud grandmother!

God has deemed it time for Kathy to return to her heavenly home. Kathy is in the presence of her Mother, Father, grandparents and other family members.

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Rosemary Rickett

August 3, 2006

I am so sorry for your loss. It is heartening to read all the good memories everyone has of Kathy. I last saw her in Oakesdale in 2003, and even though it was during a sad time, her sparkly personality came through. "You now have sorrow, but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice".John 16.22

Brandi Green

August 2, 2006

What a unique lady Kathy was!! She was a jack of all trades and could tell you many stories. (Kind of like Grandpa!) I remember Kathy fondly. As a child I would run to her waiting for her to give me one of those good ole fashioned hugs. You know, the kind where your head just sinks into someone's BIG chest! Kathy did love to laugh and I loved to laugh with her! Who could ever forget Kathy contagious SNORTY laugh! I laugh at myself just trying to imitate it! ( You know that we all have all tried to imitate Kathy at one time or another!) Some of my memories of Aunt Kathy were: I remember listening to her sing on Christmas Eve at our church many years ago. I thought to myself what a beautiful angelic voice. Well, now, Kathy can sing with the rest of the angels. I remember that Kathy always would wrap my presents in newspaper, which later on became a family joke. I remember wanting to sell AVON products when I was 4 years old because I wanted to be beautiful and smell like her. These are just a few of the many memories that I have and will always have. My blessings to her children, Steve and my playpal for all of my younger years, Shawnee. Life is too short to not tell someone everyday how much you love them. I regret that I let life get in the way of Living. My love goes out to each and every one of my family members. God Bless.

Aunt Shirley Marshall

August 1, 2006

All my Love to Tammy, Darrell,Wess,Shawnee,and Steve.

I too remember her infectious laugh she could always see some humor even when things were bad.

But I know she loved her Lord and I bet she will be catching up with her Grand parents too.

Love to all Aunt Shirley

Luena Dunn

July 31, 2006

From the time the Johnson clan all moved to Lorenzo, Idaho; Kathy and I were the best of friends, not just cousins. Mom couldn't keep me home because I was always running off to Aunt Norma's to play with Kathy. Kathy was a very kind person. She would never hurt anyone, always giving the benefit of doubt. She always was seeking enjoyment in life. Not afraid to try anything. We could really get into trouble, Kathy and I. I have so many memories I cannot even begin to name them. I want her family to know I love her and cherish her always. We never forget the ones who have helped us to shape our lives, and the ones who share so much with us. God bless you all with comfort and peace. I know we will see her again. Love, Luena Dunn

Jerry Lethin

July 31, 2006

Kathy had a laugh you soon wouldn’t forget,

It lightened your load and made you glad you had met.

She would turn your tears around with just a tease,

She had a special way of making you feel at ease.

Kathy had a light that came from within,

She would tell you story with just the right spin.

She had such a joy for life in her eyes,

You would always remember her after the good bye’s.

Kathy had a way of walking into a room,

Frosted hair, lipstick just right, and perfume.

She never looked at you like your jury and judge,

Just accepted who you were without any grudge.

Kathy had a love for her family and friends,

It’s a warmth that we felt and it never ends.

And even though she is gone, her spirit lives on,

Just look at her grandkids, daughter and son.

By: Jerry Lethin, July 31, 2006

I love you cuz. and will miss you.

BILL & PAT RICKETT

July 31, 2006

WE, ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF THE LOSS OF OUR BELOVED FAMILY MEMBER.

Carol Ida Johnson

July 31, 2006

Our Father who art in Heaven please bless Kathy's family in her passing,that they may find comfort,and know that someday they will be with her again. "Families can be together forever", I say this in Jesus name, Amen

Cindy Woods (Rickett)

July 31, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Tammy Green

July 30, 2006

Kathleen Rickett Umphrey

December 1, 1950 – July 24, 2006

Kathy was born on December 1, 1950 in Rigby, Idaho. Kathy was the oldest of 4 children born to Richard Lewis Rickett and Norma Gwen Johnson. Dad was in the Air Force at the time and they were stationed at the Mountain Home Air Force Base. Mom told me they lived in a tiny one bedroom trailer and that Kathy slept in a dresser drawer for her bed because there wasn’t room for a crib.

Dad was discharged from the Air Force in 1952 and they moved to Lewiston, Idaho. They lived in the Lewiston area for several years. This is where her younger brother Darrell Dean was born in 1953.

Dad then took a job in North Bend, Oregon running a dairy farm where they lived until early 1959. Kathy and Darrell both spoke of the great times they had living on the dairy as kids. They had many pets including a couple of cows that they played with during the long summer days.

In 1959 Grandpa Johnson bought 5 acres of land in Lorenzo, Idaho. He gave each of his 3 children an acre of land and 500 dollars to help them each build a home.

Our house was in the middle of the 5 acres. Uncle Dean and Aunt Shirley lived on one side and Uncle Harold and Aunt Carol lived on the other side with Grandpa and Grandma living directly across from us. This is where Kathy’s two youngest siblings Tamara Dawn and Wesley Warren were born.

Uncle Dean had 3 boys and Uncle Harold had 4 girls and 1 boy. So with us four kids and all the cousins there was always someone to play with. Kathy and her cousin Luena were the closest in age and the best of friends so where you found one you would find the other. We all played games together like “enie I over” and “no bears out tonight” and many a hour was spent just exploring the countryside we lived in. We all knew that there was a boogie man who presided in the canal and even when we were old enough to swim in the canal we never swam under the bridge because that’s where he lived. We would get out and walk over the bridge then get back in on the other side.

Sunday dinners were always at Grandma’s house and she always had fresh baked cookies in the drawer for all of the kids.

We all have many wonderful childhood memories growing up in that Snake River Valley of Idaho.

Kathy met Michael Park in the fall of 1970. They were soon married. Mike was in the Navy and they moved to Providence, Rhode Island. Their son Steven Robert was born on September 17, 1971. Kathy and Mike divorced in the spring of 1972.

Kathy then met Larry Umphrey. Larry too was in the military, the Air Force. They fell in love and were married in the summer of 1972. Larry was transferred to Reese Air Force base in Lubbock, so their family moved to Texas. A couple of years after moving to Lubbock, their daughter Shawnee Aline was born on September 7, 1973. Kathy and Larry lived in Lubbock until Larry retired in the spring 1978. They moved to Sacramento, California to be close to Grandma and Grandpa Rickett.

Kathy worked in many jobs during her life but one she really loved was being an Avon representative for many years. She grew quickly with the company and was soon a regional manager. She also made many life long friends while working in Avon.

Kathy and Larry divorced in 1981.

Kathy married Bill Earnshaw and the family moved to Topaz Lake, Nevada. Shortly after moving there they lost everything to a fire in their home.

Soon after that Kathy’s mother Norma was diagnosed with Lung Cancer and passed away in October of 1983.

Kathy and Bill divorced and Kathy returned to the Sacramento area.

Her daughter Shawnee gave her 2 grandchildren, Christopher Riley and Stella. Kathy dearly loved those children and would brag to me often of how beautiful and smart they were.

Kathy became ill with emphysema around 1998 and it continued to worsen over the years. Her son Steven lived with her and became her primary caretaker in the later years of the disease. I know at times this was difficult for Steve but he stuck it out until the end.

Kathy’s father became ill with Lymphoma cancer in 2003 and she and Steven made a trip to Oaksdale, Washington in July to visit with him. Though Kathy was very ill herself she truly enjoyed the time with her dad. Kathy’s father passed away in November of 2003.

Kathy always had a vibrant personality and made friends with people quickly.

Although Kathy’s presence among us will be sadly missed we know she is in heaven with Jesus and we presume she is having coffee with mom and dad and reminiscing of old times.

Tammy Green

July 30, 2006

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
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