Kathy Kelsey

December 1, 1947- February 12, 2026

Today we remember and celebrate the life of Kathy Kelsey, a beloved teacher, cherished family member and devout woman of faith.  Kathy, age 78, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Kathy is survived by her honorary son Robert and beloved Karen, Matthew, and Anthony in Washington State, and by brother Mark Kelsey in Oak Park, IL and sister Marita (Mike) Martin, Chelsea, MI, many nieces and nephews, grandchildren, and hundreds of students whose lives she influenced as a teacher.

Born on December 1, 1947, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Kathy was shaped by the love, faith, care and support of her family during her formative years that would contribute to her impactful work as a teacher, ministry of Christian faith, and meaningful devotion to her friends, family, church, and community throughout her life.

In her bold youth, Kathy moved across the country to Washington State where she would spent 35 years as an esteemed teacher.  In the town of Granger, WA, she was known for her creative, engaging and personalized teaching style. She cared individually for each of her students and was a talented and energetic educator. Kathy's special touches in the classroom and at elementary school camp imprinted lifelong memories for so many of her students who were lucky enough to know her. Among many distinctions as a teacher, Kathy was the recipient of a statewide award for professional excellence from Western Washington University, 1988, and a district wide teacher of the year award.  Kathy is remembered as an outstanding co-worker and educator, passionate student advocate and favorite teacher of many.

Kathy was a sincere woman of integrity, lifelong Christian, and woman of unshakeable faith. She lived by the word of God and embodied the spirit of service to others.  She was active in her church and volunteered as a Sunday School Teacher throughout the years. After a health crisis in 2007, Kathy had a calling of ministry to speak of God's miracles as a living testament.  Kathy touched the lives of many with the word of God and generosity of spirit.

Kathy is preceded in death by her parents Eugene Paul and Martha Sue Kelsey, brother Jim Kelsey (Julia) and sister-in-law, Tari Kelsey.  Kathy will live in the hearts of all who knew her as a vivid storyteller, treasurer of memories, and guiding light.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday March 7, 2026 at Granger High School, 315 E. Mentzer Ave. Granger, WA 98932.

Because of the meaningful impact she had on her community, we will be collecting photos, stories, comments, and anecdotes about Kathy for her memorial.  Please send to: robertre1@hotmail.com

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