Katherine "Kathy" Opal Gilbertson

   Katherine L. Gilbertson "Kathy", age 70, gained her wings.  She is now with the Lord.  She passed in her residence with close friends and family at her side. Along with the tears shed it was peaceful and happy.  As she always wanted it to be.  We are all going to do our best to celebrate this death as a new beginning for her.  We know she will be watching over us all as she did in life. She was a content and happy trucker's wife. For her family at home, she would start her cooking for dinner at 4 pm so there was always a hot meal for her kids and any bonus children still around.  She was the cool mom on the block that the kids came to for treats and Kool Aid.  For over 30+ years she did In-home daycare.  She took care of even second-generation children.  She just had that gift.  She could soothe even a stranger's crying child in the grocery store.  And if her children could not find her in the store, they knew to go looking in the baby department.  She was always looking for NEW things for the daycare or one of her daycare children.  She took care of many single parents, or financial family's so they were able to work.  Also was known to watch some young mothers' babies so they could finish high school without even charging.  She just wanted to see the report cards.  She was one of those special ones we hear about.

    She hung her daycare scrubs up to enjoy being "Grandma".  And boy did she enjoy that!  She was at every Baseball game both of her grand boys played.  And most practices.  Her grandchildren were her world and she let everyone know. With not excluding all the bon-fires in her backyard.  Many of their friends called her "Nanna".  She was born in a family of 9 (nine).  She was the baby, and we were always told she was the spoiled one, but she knew hard work from early on.  She grew up on a Dairy farm.  

   She's preceded in death by her son; Bradley Jon Gilbertson, siblings: Gloria Lambert, Toby Linnell, Butch Linnell (Jenny), Chuck Linnell, Marlene McMonical, Mary Miller (Tom), Donnie Linnell and Beatrice. 

   She's survived by her daughter: Brenda Tisdale (Shawn), Grandson's: Dustin W. Chambless and Clayten B. Gilbertson (Maddie), Great grandson: Dakota Brantley Gilbertson, Nieces: Ramona Fifer, Corrine Thomas, Carol Willey-Marlin, Vanessa Chapman (James "Chappy") and many others, Nephews: Wayne Willey (Kristi) and many others.

   Visitation will be held on Friday, May 26, 2023, from Valhalla Funeral Home from 11:00 until 12:00 PM. Chapel services will follow at 12:00 with interment in Valhalla Memorial Gardens.