Katherine Ann Painter's Obituary
Katherine “Kathy” Painter of St. Helens, affectionately known as “Cookie” to family and friends, went home to be with Jesus on March 25, 2023. She was 87.
Kathy was born on February 17, 1936, to Frank and Mary Walsh in Merced, California and grew up with 10 other siblings. In 1952, she was introduced to the love of her life, Ralph Painter, whom she later married. The couple settled in Sacramento, California and went on to have four children: Gloria, Ralph Jr., Alan, and Manuel. The family relocated to St. Helens, Oregon in 1967.
Kathy loved children and enjoyed the many visits from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to being a wonderful mother and doting grandmother, Kathy would often care for the children of close friends or families from the church. Kathy also loved gardening, tending to the flowers and roses bushes that framed her yard. A devout Catholic, Kathy was deeply committed to serving others in her parish, St. Frederic Catholic Church. She enjoyed visiting with parishioners who were shut-in and would serve them communion. Whenever there was an event at the church, you could always find Kathy working in the kitchen. Kathy would also attend the Knights of Columbus functions with her husband, Ralph.
Kathy was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Ralph Painter; her son Ralph Jr.; daughter Gloria Elkinton; and great-grandson, Brayden Elkinton.
She is survived by her son Alan (Mashelle) Painter; son Manuel Painter; daughter-in-law Amy Painter; son-in-law Charles Elkinton; 16 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Kathy also has two surviving sisters, Florence Dryden and Betty Larrouy.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be given to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, a charity dear to Kathy’s heart. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 14, 2023 at 11:00am at St. Frederic Catholic Church in St. Helens, Oregon. Kathy will be laid to rest with her beloved husband Ralph at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon.
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