Katherine “Kathy” Pitlock, loving mother of two, passed away, on June 17, 2022, at the age of 82 in Eureka. Kathy was born to Bernard and Gladys Miles on October 3, 1939, in Oakland. Kathy’s father died when she was 5 and Gladys remarried Edward Selvage.

Kathy attended Eureka High and was runner-up for Miss Humboldt. She spent her childhood summers in Mattole and Richardson’s Grove. She loved to attend the weekend dances held in Mattole and spoke often of her fond childhood shenanigans. After graduating high school she attended Humboldt State University, studying music and business. She married her first husband Robert Kunkel and they had two daughters. They moved to Walnut Creek, where the marriage ended. Kathy and her girls moved back to Eureka where she met the love of her life, Jerry Pitlock.

They married August 8, 1970. Kathy was the perfect hostess. She loved to entertain, and there were many parties, potlucks and family get-togethers at the Pitlock home. Her best and most memorable event was her annual Christmas Eve bash. Her home was decorated, and there was plenty of good food, music and good cheer. Kathy would play the piano and all would gather around and sing Christmas Carols.

Kathy and Jerry bought property in Willow Creek and Jerry build their retirement home. They loved spending their days together at the Willow Creek property. They had found paradise, and enjoyed gardening, and canning their harvest in the fall. Friends, family and neighbors visited often for good conversation and cheer on their beautiful deck over looking the garden, trees and perfectly manicured lawn. You could find Kathy often on the riding lawnmower tending to her perfectly manicured lawns. The property always looked like a park. In the morning and evening she shared her yard with herds of local deer that she fed. It was quite the sight.

Kathy was widowed in 2010 and found companionship with Bill Wright of Willow Creek. They travelled often to Bill’s second home in Phoenix and enjoyed each others’ company for many years.

A special thanks to neighbors, Jeff Powers, Linda Cade, Billy and Kathy Hilfiker, Tiffany Rittenhouse, and Lou and Jackie Tirado for helping and watching over mom her last years in Willow Creek.

Kathy was forced to leave her beloved country home due to health issues and resided the last years at Frey’s Care Home. She was happy and content and made many special friends during her stay. Gratitude and thanks go out to Teara, Sarah, Katelyn, DeeDee and the entire staff. You made a tough situation manageable.

Kathy is survived by her two daughters, Deborah Sanders, and Julie King, her stepson Ned Pitlock, and two grandsons, Tyler Sanders and Caden King.

Kathy requested no memorial service.