The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Kathy Durrah gently passed away Jan. 26, 2024, at Ray Hickey Hospice Care in Vancouver. She had lived at Canterbury Gardens memory care for two years, and Kalama for a few months.

Kathy was born Aug. 24, 1947, in Longview, and lived her whole life in Cathlamet, except during 1967-1971, when she lived in Wichita, Kansas, while Russ was in the Air Force.

Kathy graduated from Wahkiakum High School in 1965 and married Russ Durrah, the love of her life, on Aug. 20, 1966, at the Skamokawa Methodist church.

Her parents were Wilbur "Swede" Watkins and Erval Olmstead. She is survived by her husband Russ; her brother, Marhsall Watkins, of Cathlamet; her brother and sister-in-law Steven and Ruth Doumit; nieces Angi Sauer and James Fryberger and family; Stacey and Mike Wegdahl and family; nephew Tim and Megan Soumit and family; and special friends Vicki and Gary Bergseng, and Wayne Cochran and Vicky Gregory.

She worked at Giant Store in Kansas while they were stationed there, and then came home for good. She worked at Phil's Hiway Mart, and finished her working days in the Wahkiakum County Auditor's Office, retiring after 32 years of service.

She was on the Wahkiakum County fair board for many years and also a 4H leader for horses.

She was also on District #1 cemetery district board.

Kathy loved animals! She loved her horses, dogs, and cats! There was a skunk and goats also. She also loved the land. She grew a beautiful garden and flowers and vegetables.

Kathy's celebration of life will be at noon on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024 at Dowling's Funeral Home.

She will be interred at Greenwood Cemetery at 11 a.m. the same day. Irene martin and Gerry Brennan will officiate.

Memorial contributions can be made to Wahkiakum County Fair or to the Humane Society of Cowlitz County.

Dowling Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.