June 20, 1948 - August 04, 2021
With her loving family by her side, Kathy was peacefully called home by God the morning of August 4th 2021 in Spokane, WA. She was 73 years of age at the time of her passing. She was born Kathryn Jane Devine on June 20th 1948 in Yakima, WA., to Hubert and Flossy Devine. She was married to Michael Francis Yates from 1972 up until their divorce in 1994. They remained close friends throughout her life. Kathy was exceptional in almost every way. She had a truly unique kindness of spirit, which flowed effortlessly through her daily encounters with individuals. She was a humanitarian in the truest sense of the word. She cared deeply for those who were suffering and less fortunate and often championed causes to help those in need. She was strong and courageous and was a leader others sought guidance from and wished to emulate. She spent her entire life in selfless service to others. She was the wedding coordinator at St. Aloysius Catholic Church for 34 years. She served the parish and the Gonzaga community assisting in liturgies, weddings, funerals, and many other capacities during that time. In addition, she concurrently was an accountant for the Spokane Guild School and Neuromuscular Center. Her steadfast dedication to helping children with disabilities was yet another example of her selfless service to those in need. Finally, she was actively involved in the Corbin Community Center, and graciously offered her time and energy helping preserve the historic area she so dearly loved. Kathy treasured time with her family and particularly enjoyed the periodic gatherings at holidays and birthdays which invariably would bring her loved ones together. She also loved the theatre and annually purchased tickets to the “Best of Broadway.” Wherever she went: Kathy was the life of the party! She was larger than life and adored by everyone. Her vivacious personality and zest for life made people’s candle a little brighter. Kathy was a proud member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. She was also a devout Catholic who regularly attended mass and was a contributing member of St. Aloysius Parish. She walked closely with God all the days of her life. More importantly, she lived the values Christ extolled. Kathy was very proud of the fact she received her BA in General Studies from Gonzaga University. As an adult learner in her 50s, she courageously tackled her undergraduate education with a passion and vigor that inspired her younger student peers and ultimately led to her graduating with honors. She also loved periodically attending GU basketball games and will forever be remembered as a devoted Zag. Mama Bear loved her animals! She was the proud co-parent of Bella Bear Yates, her beloved black lab, and was the sole guardian of the cantankerous Boo, her white-haired feline. She had several other animals she cared for throughout her life and all of them hold a very special place in her heart. Kathy leaves behind her four loving children: Sue Rogers, Devin Yates, Mackenzie Grant, and Keely Yates. In addition, she also leaves behind her brother Daniel Devine and her sister Rosemary Rosslow. Finally, her legacy lives on in her most precious “grand ones” in Tyler Kennedy Yates (19), Zachary Michael Yates (16), Ava Rose Rahner (12), and Kyla Grace Rahner (8). Those interested in attending Kathy’s celebration of life should refer to her web page for information, which will be posted very soon.
