Katherine Jean Meyer Obituary
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Katherine Jean Meyer (Camas, Washington), born in Yakima, Washington, who passed away on May 7, 2018, at the age of 88, leaving to mourn family and friends. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family.
She always had time and energy for those she cared about and a little extra for those in need." Katherine "Kathy" Meyer, 88, of Camas, WA, passed away suddenly on May 7, 2018, doing what she loved doing: traveling with her family. She was born to Harold and Frances Desmond on May 2, 1930 and raised in Yakima, WA with her sister, Dorothy Zerr and two brothers, Don and Gary. Kathy later moved to Camas, WA where she met Dean Meyer. They married and settled in Camas to raise their family. Kathy and Dean both worked hard to support their family of eleven. While Dean worked in administration at the Camas Mill for 40 years, Kathy loved the restaurant business. Her early years were spent working in the industry. The Parker House, a favorite, was where she made and kept many life-long friends. She later excelled in a career in sales with Vacation Internationale and served on their corporate board for many years. After her "retirement" is when she really went to work. But she considered it fun. The calendar was always full. Kathy was very devoted to her church and was an active member of St. Thomas Aquinas Ladies' Guild. Many hours were spent doing volunteer work with various charities such as Treasure House and Share House. In her leisure, she enjoyed reading, attending Broadway Musicals with her daughters, long lunches, golfing at Orchards Hills Country Club as a long-time member, traveling to favorite places such as Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico and Nevada. Sun River was a family favorite and Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry held fun memories for her and Dean in their younger years. She loved playing endless games of solitaire and 4-5-6 with her kids, monthly Pinochle games with her friends, whale-watching at the beach, having fun at the casinos, cooking for anyone anytime, and her nightly Jeopardy. Her grandkids and their events were always a top priority no matter how far she and Dean had to travel. But Kathy's real full-time job and biggest joy was bringing happiness to others. Her devotion and attention to her family were endless. She had a huge heart that was so full of love and kindness, fun and energy. If she wasn't planning a graduation party or birthday party for her family or friends, she was getting a jump on planning the holidays or the next family get-away. She loved making any event special with her little touches. Her spirit was young and her mind was sharp. Her grandkids were in awe that Grandma could text and share photos on Facebook with them. Eighty-eight years was just a number. Although it seems she left us suddenly and too soon, she left us all the many gifts of love and great memories. Forever in our hearts. Forever young at heart. We will miss you. Kathy is survived by all of her nine children: Karen Eaton (Mike), Cheryl Rettig (Jim), Lynne David (Fred), Theresa Barto (Bill), Pam Beckley (Mark), Greg Meyer (Sylvia), Janice Nelson, Carol Eckman and Gail Meyer; as well as thirteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Kathy was married for 65 years to her loving husband, Dean, who preceded her in death in April 2016. Funeral Mass service will be held for Kathy on Thursday, May 31, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 400 S. Andresen Road, Vancouver, WA 98661. A luncheon celebration with be held immediately following. In lieu of flowers, Kathy's wishes were for donations to HOPE in Vancouver, WA, a non-profit support group for families caring for loved ones with dementia. HOPE helped Kathy while she was caring for Dean and she appreciated their work and support. Checks may be made out to HOPE and mailed to: 9901 NE 7th Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98684 or St. Thomas Aquinas Ladies' Guild, 324 NE Oak Street, Camas, WA 98607.
