Kathryn Elizabeth Link, 84, Colville WA

Kathryn Link died at her daughter's home in Pullman, WA, on July 6, 2023, shortly after being diagnosed with metastatic cancer.

Kathryn was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, in 1938 to Elmer and Velma Ellerbeck.  The second of seven children, she bore much of the responsibility of caring for her younger siblings after the early death of her father when she was 12 years old.  Affectionately known as "Sis" by her siblings, she maintained close relationships with them throughout their lives.  She was predeceased by her parents and her brothers Gordon, Donald, Dwayne "Pete", and Dennis Ellerbeck and her sisters Karen Heinen and Colleen Moore.

Kathryn graduated in 1956 from Abraham Lincoln High School, Council Bluffs, Iowa.  After graduation she worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Omaha.  Kathryn married Kermit J. Link in Council Bluffs in 1957.  They lived in Ames, Iowa, until Kermit's graduation from Iowa State University and then moved to Conconully, WA.  Kermit's job with the U.S. Forest Service took them to Okanogan, WA, Vancouver, WA, and finally, Colville, WA.  In addition to lovingly raising her two daughters and making each home a beautiful place to live, Kathryn worked as a Teacher's Aide in Okanogan, WA, Evergreen School District in Vancouver, WA, and at Colville Junior High School.

Kathryn is remembered as a true friend and a wonderful mother.  She doted on her grandchildren, who loved her dearly.  She was a life-long learner who loved to read and instilled this love of literature in her daughters.  Her passion was folk art painting and she became an expert in the art of Norwegian Rosemaling.

Kathryn is survived by her husband, Kermit J. Link, Colville, WA, daughter Lee Ann Mauk (Robert) Spokane, WA, daughter Susan E. Shipman, Pullman, WA, two grandsons Elliot Shipman, Colorado Springs, CO, Chip Shipman (Heather), Colfax, WA, granddaughter Caitlin Shino (Trent) Spokane, WA, four great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the physicians, nurses, and staff of Pullman Regional Hospital, the City of Pullman Emergency Medical Services, Gentiva Hospice and Pullman Friends of Hospice.

A private family graveside service will be held on Monday, July 24 at Riverside Memorial Park in Spokane, WA.

The family asks that those that would like to make a donation in Kathryn's memory to kindly consider Pullman Friends of Hospice, 111 E Canyon Street, Colfax, WA  99163.