Aunt Kate

This past weekend I flew to Portland, Oregon, and then drove to Randle, Washington for my Aunt Kate's memorial service. Sadly, she lost her battle with cancer just after Christmas. It was a nice service, with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins, etc. there from Utah, and of course, all of Aunt Kate's family there in Washington. Many of them I haven't seen since we were kids. It was a sad occasion to do so, but it was good to see everyone.

Aunt Kate was a "feisty broad" - probably from the time she was born. As one of the speakers said, "Whether she liked you or whether she didn't ... you knew it." I always thought of her as my fun aunt. She was the baby of their family, so it's been a bit hard for her sisters - my mom and Aunt Evie and Aunt Jerrie.

She was able to come for a visit in 2008, and I am thankful that I had the opportunity to spend a little time with her then.

We'll miss you, Aunt Katie!

Randle is in the general vicinity of Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Ranier and Mt. Hood. Unfortunately, it was so overcast we couldn't see much of the grand dames. But it is truly beautiful country up there.