Kathryn Kay Dotterer was born in 1936 in St Francis, Kansas, the middle of three daughters to John and Mildred Dotterer.  The family moved to McMinnville in 1939 then Portland in 1943.  Kathy graduated from Grant High School in 1954, where she was an active member of several social clubs, and Queen of Bethel #7.

She attended University of Oregon, joining the Pi Beta Phi sorority.  In 1956 she married her high school sweetheart Jay Vahl.  They were married 58 years at the time of Jay’s death in 2015.  The couple raised four children in Portland:  Michael, Kimberly, Jerry and Jennifer.

Kathy spent many years involved in school activities and PTA groups.  She loved being helpful and she had an incredible ability to “tune out” things she did not want to deal with.  She was known to say she had a “brown thumb” in the garden!  When her sons attended Oregon State, enjoyed spending weekends at the Theta Chi house.  She also enjoyed her trips to Poipu Beach on Kauai, whether with her family, or with Jay and her sister Thelma.  Kathy had a quick wit, a bright cheerful smile and kind spirit.

After many years as a homemaker Kathy began a career as a Teacher’s Aide for Portland Public Schools where she made many great friends and worked until retirement.  She attended numerous sports and extra-curricular activities to support her children and grandchildren.  She was an accomplished knitter who could knit even the most complex patterns with ease.  Her beautiful handiwork is cherished by all who possess them.

Kathy passed away peacefully after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.  She is survived by her four children and their spouses, nine grandchildren, one great granddaughter.  Her family and friends will forever miss her caring easy-going presence.  We are at peace knowing that she and Jay are once again together.

A Celebration of Life will be held January 4 from 1:30-4 pm at Tumwater Vineyard, 375 SW Barrel House Way, West Linn. CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

Please come help us celebrate the life of the one and only Kathy Vahl, Questions? jkamprath@comcast.net