Kathleen Louise Moore Mason

Kathleen Louise Moore Mason, age 70, of Royal City, WA. passed away on March 13, 2014 surrounded by her family at her home in Royal City. Kathleen was born to Ernest and Catherine (Harris) Moore on February 20, 1944 in Sunnyside, WA., the seventh of fifteen children. She had a wonderful childhood, with lots of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and neighborhood children to play and fight with. Since there wasn't much money during Kathleen's childhood, the family became innovative in ways to have fun. Kathleen had many fond memories of attending school, participating in the 4-H Club, attending and singing in the Methodist Church choir, under the direction of Lily Jeffords. She also recalls the hard work that had to be done on the family farm.

Kathleen married her high school sweetheart, Jerry Mason, in 1962. Together, they had four children, all born in Sunnyside. Jerry, Kathleen and her brother Mike Moore also started a dairy farm in Sunnyside. In 1975 Kathleen's family, along with her parents and most of her dairy herd moved to Royal City.

Kathleen had good neighbors and made many wonderful friends after moving to Royal City. She considered herself lucky to be able to commute to CWU, where she earned her BA in English Literature. While earning her degree, Kathleen helped out on the farm as much as possible. She raised the calves with lots of help and also drove the truck under the chopper during the corn harvest. Kathleen worked as a substitute at the Royal City and Mattawa Libraries for several years and as a tutor for college bound students. She was also a member of the Card Sharks pinochle club.

Kathleen is survived by her husband of 51 years Jerry Vern Mason. Daughters Phebe (Andre') Wall and their children Carris and Ruben; Leah (Jon) Bruhn and their children Walker and Kassidy. Sons Vern Mason and his son Jacob and his daughter Nickole (Travis) Owens and their children Mykenna; Jason (Jennifer) Mason and their daughter Ashley (Michael) Wilson.

Kathleen is also survived by an uncle, Benjamin Cook Moore and two aunts, Edith Myra (Moore) Garrison and Elizabeth Irene (Moore) Kight. She is also survived by her siblings John (Burnice) Moore, Mary Ann (Moore) Renner, Nancy (Gary) Koreski, Michael (June) Moore, Hershel (Karen) Moore, Edward (Pat) Moore, Thomas (Ruth) Moore, Victoria (Bill) Sanborn, Susan Ott, Laura (Harry) Burns, Andrea (Cheryl) Moore, adopted sister Roberta Player, and brother David Moore.

Kathleen is preceded in death by her sisters Phyllis Moore, who passed away in 1954, and Janet Elaine (Moore) Spears, who passed away in November of 2012.

Kathleen writes to her family: "You all mean so much to me!"

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2014 at 4:00 pm at the Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Sunnyside, WA followed by a dinner reception at 5:30 pm at the Sunnyside VFW Hall, at 615 North Ave. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Assured Hospice 1417 South Pioneer Way Moses Lake, WA. 98837. Those wishing to sign Kathleen's online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com Smith Funeral Homes, Ltd. in charge of arrangements.