Kathy Schimke
Kathy Schimke had a heart that seemed to be custom-made to care for others as a wife, mother and health care professional in addition to her faith leading her to care for those in the community who needed it.
Kathy Schimke,74, of Moses Lake, Wash., passed away Nov. 20, 2024, in her home surrounded by loved ones. She was born in Bremerton, Wash., on July 27, 1950, to her parents, Robert Dale White and Getrude Sadie White. The family moved to Moses Lake in 1966 where Kathy graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1968 and completed one year of college at Big Bend Community College.
Kathy met her husband, Arthur (Art) Schimke Sr., in 1971 and they married April 6, 1973. They enjoyed dancing, long drives and picnics. They raised three children, Katrina, Martin and Tim. While being a stay-at-home mom, Kathy became a successful entrepreneur selling Tupperware and Avon before seeking employment at Tri-State and secretarial positions with Dr. Dabalos and Dr. Dexter. She quickly found her passion in the medical field where she worked at Samaritan Hospital doing various positions and ended her career as a CNA/HUC after working for 20-plus years.
Kathy had a love for religion and was very engaged in her church at Grace Lutheran as a Sunday school teacher and youth group leader as well as the secretary and treasurer for the church. Later she became a church member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Additionally, Kathy had many hobbies such as sewing, gardening and shopping. She had a huge heart and passion for helping those in need and a love for animals.
Kathy is survived by her husband, Art Schimke; daughter Katrina Schimke (Mannie Salinas); son Arthur (Martin) Schimke, Jr. (Kari Anderson); son Timothy Schimke; brother John White (Denise White); six grandchildren, Tyler Schimke, Daiton Schimke, Felicity Schimke, Brandon Salinas, Leahda Schimke, Nicholas Salinas; nephew/godson Jacob White; godson Ty Johnson; extended family Bonnie Gaines (Jerry Gaines), Carol Schimke (Harvey Hirai) and Billie Sanders (Cheryl Sanders). In addition to many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Kathy is preceded in death by her parents, Robert White and Getrude White; sisters Bonnie Sanders and Terri White; brothers Donald (Butch) White and Robert (Bobby) White.
A memorial service will be held Dec. 6, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the Moses Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1601 West Valley Road, Moses Lake. All who loved Kathy are welcome to attend.