Kathryn Susanna Routson, age 89, passed away January 18 in Spokane, WA. She was born February 9, 1936, in Invermere, British Columbia to Anna and Rudy Hecher, who had immigrated from Romania and Austria. Rudy and Anna's common language was German, and so German became Kathy's first language.

Kathy was a wild and independent spirit from early in her life, infused with a youthful confidence and vivacity born of her adventures growing up among Canada's Rockies: dancing the polka at her parents' parties,  racing her father's Chevy truck against the neighborhood boys (and winning), petting a wild bear on a dare (a photograph of the encounter revealing a can of beer in her other hand), and hiking up Mt. Swansea and making merry with her friends.

As a teen, Kathy met her to-be husband, Emmit, when his parents purchased her parents' farm. They kept in touch over the years, and in 1958, Kathy proposed. They were married soon after in Spokane and then lived in Pullman, where she supported the family while Emmit finished college. Their marriage spanned 54 years until Emmit's death in 2013.

Having earned a degree from Mt. Royal Business College, Kathy worked as an administrative assistant for most of her career. Later, Kathy and her family lived in a remote location in Northern Idaho for many years. She could chain up the Scout, drive the Willys, ride a snowmobile, and chop wood like nobody's business. She was also very talented at crafting; she often sewed, knit, created needlepoint, and fashioned crocheted items for family and charity.

Kathy's greatest joys in life were her family and friends. Whether dressing up for Halloween and making surprise visits well into her eighties, making personalized greeting cards for any occasion, or playing Gin Rummy for hours with whoever was visiting, Kathy's eyes were often happy.

From her sixties until her final years when she unwillingly became physically unable, Kathy walked four miles every day on her route to Hayden Lake, where she met lovely friends who all kept an eye out for her. Staff members who helped to care for her in her final years consistently described Kathy as having endeared herself to them through not only humorous quips but also thoughtful and kind words, even when faced with significant medical challenges.

Kathy is survived by her children: Susan (Paul) and grandchildren Jacob (Hannah) and Sari; Craig (Priscilla) and grandchildren Jessica (David) and Logan; Martin and grandchildren Torey (Robbie), Amiah (Troy), and Rianna (Chris); as well as her many great grandchildren. We would like to express our sincere and loving gratitude to the kind and skilled individuals who cared for Kathy in her final years: Michelle at Garden Plaza, Judy and the beautiful staff at Golden Days AFH, and many others. Collectively, your expert and tender care of our Kathy will be forever appreciated and remain in our memories.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, February 13, at St. George Catholic Church, 2010 N. Lucas St, Post Falls, Idaho. Please join us directly after Mass at Templin's/Red Lion, 414 E 1st Ave, Post Falls, Idaho for Kathy's eulogy and slideshow, and a reception to celebrate her life. If you wish to make a donation, please consider Hospice or Trinity Group Homes, Coeur D'Alene, Idaho.