Katherine Louise Holt passed in the company of family Wednesday September 18, 2019 at Redwood Memorial Hospital. Friends and all who knew her are invited to join her family in a celebration of her extraordinary life Sunday September 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. at The Monday Club in Fortuna.

Born November 13, 1950 in Jonesboro, Arkansas, Kathy moved with her family to California. She was the second youngest of four children. Raised in Manila, California, she graduated from Arcata High School and married at the age of 16. After her divorce, Kathy married and divorced two more times throughout her life. She was fiercely independent and an advocate for women in business and supported a number of women’s causes. Kathy would often tell others, “It was God’s choice for me not to have any children, and my choice not to have a husband.” She was a country woman with astute business sense and a magnetic personality.

Kathy worked for Pacific Lumber Company for approximately 30 years before starting her own business as a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones Investments until she retired in 2017. She approached her work as an act of service to others and celebrated her client’s successes as if they were her own. She was a member of many business organizations, including her local Rotary and the American Business Women’s Association where she was awarded for her work in financial advising. She was repeatedly recognized for her commitment to her clients and diligence on their behalf by Edward Jones Investments throughout her career. Kathy took extreme pride that as a woman she excelled in predominately male dominated fields.

Kathy took joy in many things in life. First was her family, followed by her faith, then shopping, travel, the rodeo, shopping, her friends, her Corvette, shopping, tole painting, and anything with the color pink. She loved her family devotedly, and although she was not a hunter herself, she treasured her time camping and hunting with her brothers. When not with family, friends, or working at her office, Kathy was an exceptional world traveler. Her love of travel took her on multiple cruises as well as vacations to Hawaii, Italy, Australia, Vatican City, Mexico, Greece, and so much more.

The highlight of her year was the annual Fortuna Rodeo. Each year Kathy attended the rodeo in her usual box seats where she cheered on each of the riders. Afterward, she excitedly hosted her rodeo community at a barbeque in her very own “Cowboy Kitchen” in her back yard. Entertaining groups of people was her specialty, and was happiest surrounded by family, friends, and anyone who needed to feel at home.

Anyone who knew Kathy well will tell you she was caring, devoted, independent, brave, honest and direct, and wouldn’t hesitate to “tell you like it is.” They will tell you she worked hard and made a life for herself where she never wanted for anything. She bought what she wanted because she “neeeeeded it.” Finally, they will tell you that she loved deeply, with all her heart, and would have moved mountains to keep her family safe. The masterpiece of her life is the legacy she leaves to her friends, community, and family. Nieces and nephews who saw an example of what strength, power, and femininity looked like. Gunpowder and lace, diamonds and leather, and led by the grace of God.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents Neil B. Moss, and Willadean and Harold Steele; her brother Vernon Moss, her sisters-in-laws Beanie Moss, Nina Moss, and Linda Robinson; her step-nieces Malinda and Candy Steele. She is survived by her brother Neil Moss, his daughter Michelle Barnes, and their families; the children of Vernon Moss - Scott Moss, Shelia Miller, and Cindy Woolbert, and their families; her brother and his wife Dannie and Sherrie Moss, his children Betty Hoover and Eric Moss, and their families; and other step-siblings. She is also survived by her best friend and “little sister” Beth Farnsworth.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the Fortuna Rodeo Association in Kathy’s honor at: Fortuna Rodeo Association, PO BOX 625, Fortuna, CA 95540.

###

The obituary above was submitted by Kathy’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.