Kathryn Lee Warthen

Kathryn Lee Warthen, 64, of Spokane Valley, Washington passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February 26, 2026, encircled by family. Kathy was born on June 27, 1961, in Chillicothe, Ohio to Bill and Martha McCray. She grew up in a large extended family and often reminisced about the joys and adventures of a childhood surrounded by cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Kathy met Gary Warthen in Columbus, Ohio in 1986 and the two were married the following year. They are the parents of four children and four grandchildren. Kathy and Gary made their home in Ohio, Belgium, Arkansas, and Washington. She has friends and loved ones throughout the world. Kathy is easily remembered for her genuine interest in and love for others. She never forgot people and sought to include everyone. She was incredibly fun, adventurous, creative, gentle, and kind. She adored children, especially her own children and grandchildren. She never tired of finding ways to make childhood bright and magical. Kathy loved family. The only one Kathy loved as much as or more than her family, was her Savior, Jesus Christ. Her love for Him was the strongest guiding force in her life. She sought to see people through His eyes and love them. Her testimony of Jesus Christ was one of the last things she expressed in this life. She is survived by her husband Gary Warthen of Spokane Valley, Washington, her four children, Katy Warthen, Kelsey Warthen, Jared Warthen, and Joshua Warthen (all currently of Spokane Valley, Washington), her four grandchildren, Jeremiah Burris, Alice Burris, Iain Burris, and William Burris (also of Spokane Valley, Washington), siblings Bindy (Earl) Kincaid of Ohio, Jim (Virginia) of Ohio, Doug (Lori) of Oklahoma and Patsy (Chad) of Utah. She is also survived by brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and numerous cousins, aunts and uncles. She was proceeded in death by her parents Bill and Martha, her sister-in-law Marilyn and her nephew Braulio. The family is very grateful to all who donated to medical costs for Kathy’s ALS care. They would not have been able to keep Kathy at home without that support. They would also like to express gratitude to her team of healthcare professionals who treated, supported, and advocated for her along this journey. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 14111 E 16th Ave, Spokane Valley, Washington 99037. There will be a private family viewing before, and she will be laid to rest at South Pines Cemetery in Spokane Valley, Washington. There will be a Zoom link available for family and close friends who are out of state and wish to participate. In lieu of flowers or additional donations, the family encourages those who wish to honor Kathy to find a way to serve someone around them and make the world just a little bit better. Donations to ALSSO, an ALS organization that supported Kathy immensely, are also welcome