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In Memory

Kathryn Orchard (VanOrman) - Class of 1931

Twin Falls Times-News, 10/28/09

BOISE - Kathryn Orchard VanOrman, 96, passed away Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009, in Boise. Kathryn was born in Montpelier, Idaho, to Joseph and Catherine Orchard. She had three sisters and four brothers. She attended school in Montpelier and graduated from Montpelier High School.

After graduation, Kathryn worked for the telephone company as a telephone operator in Montpelier.She married her highschool sweetheart, John VanOrman, in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple on Feb. 12, 1935. They were married for 57 years when her husband passed away. They lived in Montpelier, Salt Lake City, Pocatello, Boise and Grand Junction, Colo., before settling in Jerome, where their three children were raised.

Kathryn was always active in PTA, often worked at polling stations during elections and could always be found at blood drives either donating blood or working as a volunteer. Kathryn took a great deal of pride in having a clean and organized home and a beautiful yard with a garden and gorgeous roses.

Her family has always been the most important thing to her. She supported them in their sports, 4-H, school and church activities. Kathryn was an active member of the LDS Church and held numerous positions in Sunday school, Relief Society and Primary. Even in her later years, she reminisced of fun times she had playing softball with her Primary boys.

The past three years, Kathryn has been living in an assisted living facility in Boise. Here, she loved to play Bingo, take part in activities, and participate in holiday programs. She always was friendly and encouraging to those around her. She especially looked forward to the visits from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who seemed to add an extra spark to her life.

Even when she was not feeling well, you could hear her say, "Kathryn, you got to get up and get going. You can't stay in this bed all day." She was such a wonderful example to her family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Kathryn is survived by her son, Lowell (Sue) VanOrman of Jerome; daughter, Sally (Clancy) Phillips of Boise; four grandsons; two granddaughters; 10 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings; her husband, John; and her daughter and son-in law, Norene and Chuck Andrus; and granddaughter, Kate Howard.

The funeral will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at the Jerome LDS 1st Ward Chapel, 825 E. Ave. B in Jerome.

   

Kathryn and John ca. 1990