Kathryn Ostrom
09/02/1931-11/30/2020
Kathryn G. Ostrom was born 09/02/1931 in Tacoma Washington. She was the youngest daughter and the “princess” of James G. and Lona L. MacWilliam. She grew up in the Tacoma/Puyallup area until they moved to Seattle in the Ballard neighborhood. She graduated from Ballard High School and then attended Bob Jones University. When she came back to Ballard she met the handsome love of her life Ray Martin Ostrom. They married on October 9, 1953. While Ray went to the University of Washington she read and typed his papers. They both worked nights at Consolidated Freightways. She and Ray had 4 children and lived in Seattle where she and Ray worked for the Seattle Public Schools. After her time at the school district she was the wedding coordinator at Seattle First Presbyterian Church. She loved helping her Brides to make their special day perfect.
Her greatest love was for the Lord, her husband and her family. She and Ray enjoyed their time together. They loved to entertain and she always put on an amazing spread, from the food to decorations. Yes, we all know how she loved to decorate!! She always made people feel welcome in their home. She was an amazing example to all who knew her. We spent wonderful vacations at Ocean Shores with Kids, Grandkids, Great-grandkids, extended family and friends.
She was a leader at Bible Study Fellowship for many years. She still attended BSF and built so many long lasting relationships. She loved her Church family and her small group bible study. She still kept in touch with her Ballard girls when she could. She was also an excellent seamstress and made beautiful clothes. She and her friend Ruth spent many hours at the fabric stores!
Mom loved being involved with the events of her grandchildren and great- grandchildren. She attended many sports games, school performances and enjoyed spending time with her family.
Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters Lucille and Ione, 2 brothers Charles and Paul, and her own beloved son Paul and her loving husband Ray.
She is survived by her children Dorothy (Gordon), Russ (Beth), Gus (Lori). She has 11 grand children Paul’s sons Nicholas (Carrie) and Matthew, Dorothy’s children Karla (Gabe), Michael, Jacob(Bri), Russ’s girls Anna (George), Emma and Jenna, Gus’s children Ben, Emily and Katie. She has 13 great grandchildren. She was a well loved Auntie to all her nieces and nephews.
Due to covid 19 we are not having a service now. Her very good friend Liz told me she was going to put up her Christmas tree and add a couple extra decorations in her honor. What a wonderful idea! She was a true blessing and we have comfort that she is home in Heaven with the Lord, her loving husband Ray, son Paul and all her family before her.
Comments
I loved my Auntie Kate. She was such a joy to be around. A few years ago, she enticed me to come spent a three day weekend with her, right before my uncle Ray passed away. I’m so very grateful that I did. I had the best time with her, and created memories that will warm my heart the rest of my life. She had such a charming and warm personality, and had so many interesting stories to tell. It didn’t matter if we were going somewhere special, sitting in church together, or just visiting around the dining table. She was just so nice to be with because of the wonderful person she was. I miss her dearly.
Don Sanders (Kathryn’s sister Lucile’s son)
What a golden GEM Kathryn was! She could make any event FUN. I am so thankful for the pleasure of knowing her and her beautiful family! I know she leaves a hole in your family but I also know she leaves you with wonderful memories!
Proverbs 10:7 The memory of one who lived with integrity brings joy...
Brenda (Bergdale) Voth
WE too loved Kathryn. We were the lucky couple who purchased their Ballard Home where we lived for 24 years, and raised our family. So many fun memories when her relatives would come to see the house and relate tales of their times there.
We first saw the house on Sunday, took our parents to view it on Monday, had dinner with Ray and Kathryn on Tuesday to set all the details then allowed us to move in prior to escrow, since the house we were house-sitting had to be vacated in 5 days due to residents returning two months early. They also came to our mortgage burning party a few years later.
About 12 years ago I ran into Kathryn at Jo-Ann Fabrics. I was there to buy felt for a project with a third grade classroom my grandson was in. When I told her, she said, "I have a bunch of black felt at home, come by and I will give it to you" So later that day, I stopped by and picked it up.
I also saw her at BSF many years ago.
A lovely woman.
Janice Blair (and Randy)
My husband, Brian, and I (Michele) were so very sad to learn of Kathryn's passing. Brian, I, and our two sons lived next door to Kathryn and Ray for many years on Matthews Ave NE. We have so many fond memories of our wonderful neighbors, and we send our heartfelt sympathy to the entire Ostrom family, who we know were at the center of Kathryn's and Ray's lives.
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Michele and Brian O'Connor
