Katherine Gertrude Klassen, 84, of La Mesa, CA, passed away on Sunday, September 24, 2023, after an unfortunate and unexpected/accidental death.

Kathy was born on July 1, 1939. Daughter to Martin “Dutch” VanWyhe and Minna Katherine Roth in Clovis, CA. She was the eldest of 3 siblings, sister Louise Argyilan (husband Rocco) and brother Gary VanWyhe (wife Janet).

While growing up had its traditional mix of ups and downs and family struggles Kathy proved dependable and was relied on heavily to care for her siblings, which she did with great pride as big sisters do. As time would have it her family split, yet if there's any silver lining in the family strain of a blended family, it was the realization that she got some more siblings, notably her stepsister Yvonne who she became lifelong mates with. School, church, and chores seemed to fill most of her childhood days back then, and Kathy was a survivor.

Kathy was also a good student throughout her academic career and successfully graduated from Clovis High School in 1957. She went on to study Business Administration at Fresno State University and continued further education at Pasadena City College after she married Lloyd. While completing coursework in a variety of applied arts, she started and managed a a career in Bookkeeping, Financial Aid and Office Administration.

n 1958, Kathy met Lloyd in Reedley, CA and quickly became fond of each other’s company. So much so that they dated and courted for a few years and then married on August 25th, 1962. Kathy and Lloyd went on to have three children, Manley (1966), Douglas (1968) and Janelle (1970).

Raising a family in the 70's and 80's was a blessing and a curse, but she managed it all and was a wonderful mother and provider for all who needed her love and care. By the early to mid-90's, and 30+ years of working both professionally and as a domestic engineer, Kathy took advantage of an early retirement opportunity as it became evident she would need to care for her husband full time as he was diagnosed with Ataxia and his health and safety became a priority, so she spent her time serving his medical needs and care. It was a full-time job.

The blessings of grandkids came next and to her grandkids, Kathy was affectionately known as “Honey” (to Doug's kids) and “GK” (to Manley's kids). She was the epitome of a selfless caregiver, devoted friend, loving family matriarch, notorious vacation planner and most of all a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. She modeled humility and service to others in her words and deeds. Whether a kind word of greeting, a warm/hospitable welcome invitation to the home for a Sunday meal, an encouraging card, or a handmade gift, she was always thoughtful and looking for how she could bless others.

After Lloyd's passing in 2003, Kathy became an avid “cruiser” for many years as it proved to be therapeutic for all the time she spent serving others. When she decided she could not travel by herself as well she chose to move in with Manley's family in Oxnard for 3+ years. When she decided to move on from that and it was apparent she needed some gradual daily care she settled down at an assisted living facility in La Mesa, where she enjoyed a wonderful experience. All the things she loved and enjoyed were ever present: having her hair done, pedicures, dining with friends, games and activities. She had even recently become quite the blackjack player! Best of all she met a new friend named Ray and they became good companion buddies for the next few years.

Treasured memories we can all attest to included her loving hugs with the incomparable “mmmmm” sound when she squeezed you . . . her infamously loud belly laugh we'd call a cackle when she got going . . . her ever encouraging words “I’m so proud of you,” . . . her creative dinners of waffles with ice cream, family favorite pepper-nut cookies, handmade Christmas ornaments every year, knitted scarves and blankets, and when it comes to cheese; if some cheese is good then a pound of cheese is even better! Forever in our hearts we will hear and cherish her words and her texts “Love You More!” Indeed, we too love you more.

As mentioned, Kathy was preceded in death by her husband Lloyd, (2003) her mother Minna, (2002) her father “Dutch,” (1990) and her sister Louise (2010). Kathy is survived by her youngest sibling and brother Gary VanWyhe (wife Janet) of Fresno, CA, stepsister Yvonne Blakely (husband Don) of Maui, HI, sons Manley Klassen (wife Mara) of Oxnard, CA, Douglas Klassen (wife Kandice) of Atlanta, GA, and daughter Janelle Estrada of San Diego, CA. Grandchildren Ryne (wife Gab), Garrett, Caleb, Kaleigh (husband Ethan), Jacob, and McKenna, and two great-grandchildren Aria and Silas.

Kathy also extended her caring love toward numerous Compassion sponsored children. She loved providing support to a total of seven children over the last ten years. The family would very much appreciate any contribution in her name to Compassion's Unsponsored Children’s fund. 

https://www.compassion.com/sp…

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