Katherine Leone Milbrandt
Katherine Leone Milbrandt, 91, of Quincy, WA passed peacefully Saturday, just a day after becoming ill, with her large, loving family by her side.
She was born June 26, 1919 in Sentinel Butte, ND to William and Bertha Dailey. In 1929 she moved with her parents and siblings; Mary, Minnie, Nola, Honey and Bill (Boy) to Rock Creek, OR. There she attended school through the eighth grade, when the death of her father required her to seek work on small farms and at the local strawberry cannery. It was while walking back and forth to the cannery that she caught the eye of Don Talcott Milbrandt, whom she married on January, 15th 1942. Together, they shared 55 years of successful risk-taking, travel, and good times with their large group of family and friends. They began their family in Aloha, OR, moved on to Madras, OR, and then settled in Quincy, WA in 1954. They bought 160 acres on White Trail Road and staked out their homestead with a border of trees and a concrete block home. Those meager beginnings led to many years of farming, the local George Washington Realty, and even a brief stint in Alaska mining for gold. After retirement, Katherine and Don spent 25 winters in Arizona and summered on the Oregon Beaches and in the Wenatchee area. They traveled the world over in the company of friends and family, but the most anticipated journey of each year was to Oregon, for the annual Milbrandt-Berger-Dailey family reunion, which has hosted up to 100 family members for more than 25 years.
Katherine was very funny, athletic, and competitive, as well as a baker of great renown. She spent her last years comfortably, at the Quincy homestead of her son Jerry Milbrandt and his wife Janie and often shared her time and traveled with son Don (Butch) Milbrandt Jr. and his wife Lisa. She enjoyed the love and laughter of frequently visiting grandchildren; Buckley Milbrandt (Shari) and their four boys; Kerri Adler (Steve); David Milbrandt (Margie) and their six children and two grandchildren; Leslie Banic (Tony) and their son and daughter; Kelly Milbrandt; Melissa Harting (Chris) and their son; Paul Gann and Jake Gann (Denise). She is also survived by her sister Minnie Lewis and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Her memory will be treasured by all who knew her. Please direct memorial gifts to the charity of your choice.
Services will be held Saturday June 18th, 2011 at 2pm, at the family home, 5314 Rd U NW Quincy, WA 98848, to be followed by a reception.