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Katherine Meyer Obituary


KATHERINE JEAN MEYER
May 2, 1930 ~ May 7, 2018
"Kathy will be forever remembered as a loving
mother, wife, grandmother and dear friend to many.
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.
Please sign her guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.

Published by The Columbian on May 23, 2018.
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Memories and Condolences
for Katherine Meyer

Not sure what to say?





I wrote in the guest book on May 29th but forgot to sign my name. Hi, I'm Connie Taylor and I worked with Kathy at the Parker House. Kathy was friends with my mom Lucy, my sister Janet and I think my two younger brothers. We were one big working family at the Parker House, that got along well. I'm grateful to have those memories, thank you Kathy.

Connie Taylor, Camas, Washington.

June 1, 2018

My sincerest sympathy to the family. I had the privilege of knowing, enjoying and admiring this sweetest lady for years at St. Thomas. Kathy will be sorely missed by so many...May she rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord. Ailis Malone, San Diego.

Ailis Malone

June 1, 2018

Your mom will live on everyday thru all of you. Her love and strength inspires all of us.

Denise Ziegler

May 31, 2018

I was fortunate to meet Mrs. Kathy Meyer when I went to work at the Parker House Restaurant. Kathy was a nice lady & fun to be around & as long as you did your job well, she had no problems with you. If you didn't do a good job busing her tables, Kathy would let you know. I wish I could recall more but when I think back to the memories of Kathy I'm left with a smile & that's all one can hope for when they look back. Rest in Peace dear Lady.

May 29, 2018

Our condolences to the family for the loss of your mother. We have known Kathy for many years. We golfed together many times. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

David and Annice Sampson

May 27, 2018

Beloved by all. The legacy she leaves should be cherished by all for generations to come.

Joy Graham
Friend

May 23, 2018

Kathy was such an important part of St. Thomas church and touched the lives of so many. She was always there to pray for my family during our difficult medical challenges, and she always gave the best hugs and warm smiles. For Easter a few years ago, she made my grandkids decorative marshmallow figures on sticks. Ever since, she was fondly remembered by them as Marshmallow Lady. Kathy is already greatly missed. We love you, Kathy, and we will continue to carry you in our prayers as I know you will us.

Joe and Nancy

Nancy Borja

May 23, 2018

What an incredible lady and example for all on how to live life and share love. My mother thought the world of her as a fellow golfer at OHGC and St. Thomas Church. I remember her mostly from the person she was while working at the Parker House; kind, and hard working. There is no doubt she was an excellent mother, knowing the way her children are. My condolences to the family, and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Jerry Green

May 23, 2018

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