Kathy Korth, longtime resident of Spokane, Washington, passed away on October 17, 2026 at the age of 83. Born to Benjamin and Catherine Stocki in Hamtramck, Michigan, Kathy grew up in Utica, Michigan with her parents, two younger sisters, and extended family. A graduate of Utica High School, Kathy would go on to be the first in her family to graduate from college, earning both Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Education from Eastern Michigan University.
It was at EMU where she met Bernie Korth at a Vet’s Club party, and while they didn’t start dating until the following spring, the rest was history. They enjoyed more than 59 years of marriage, family, faith and travel . . . lots and lots of travel! From their honeymoon trip to the World’s Fair in Montreal, Canada and Long Island, New York, to living abroad in Ireland and England for Bernie’s job, and in retirement cruises through Europe, Alaska, and beyond, Kathy and Bernie’s life together held adventures she never imagined her life would hold from her humble Michigan upbringing. After college, Kathy worked as a first and second grade teacher in Michigan before moving with Bernie to Spokane in the early 1970’s. It was in Spokane where they settled and started a family, blessed with two daughters and later two grandsons. Kathy devoted herself to caring for her family, supporting Bernie throughout his civilian and Naval Reserve careers, serving many years as a Camp Fire leader and volunteer for both daughters, dance, band and cheerleader mom, and caregiver to her grandsons from the time they were born. She was an avid gardener and crafter, and was always engaged in home improvement projects at their South Hill home. Kathy’s faith was a source of joy in her life, and she spent many years as a Eucharistic Minister and reader, attending and assisting daily Mass, maintaining the flower beds, and supporting parish events at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church where she and Bernie have been parishioners for more than fifty years. Kathy is survived by her husband Bernie, sisters Pat and Lorrie, daughters Tamara and Erika, grandsons Anthony and Cody, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. She was the heart of our family and is already dearly missed. A funeral mass will be held at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church on Tuesday, October 27th at 11:00a.m. with a reception to follow at the parish hall. Kathy’s family is grateful to the staff and community at The Grand at Spokane who have supported Kathy and Bernie for the past year and for the staff and volunteers at Spokane’s Hospice House for their care and support in her final days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Hospice of Spokane.