Kathy Eachon went home to glory on January 22, 2020, surrounded by her devoted family.

Kathryn Letitia was born April 4, 1928, at the Brunner Ranch in Hauser, Idaho, to Jesse and Violet (Brunner) Eggart. She was their fourth child and the only girl. Kathy spent her early years on the ranch and in a house on Hauser Lake. They moved to Post Falls where she attended school all 12 years. She remembers her mom playing the piano though no one could read music. Kathy took violin and piano lessons and did a little tap dancing too. As a shy child with big brothers, life was challenging at times. However, no one who knew her as an adult, given her drive and determination to help others, would have seen her as shy.

As a child, she worked at the Seiter Cannery in Post Falls. During high school when World War II started, Kathy went to work for the Naval Supply Depot in Spokane, as a switchboard operator in Coeur d’Alene. After the war ended, she worked at the War Assets office in Spokane. She often talked about the sadness and fear everyone felt when her three brothers went off to fight the war. She still has the letters she received from them during that time. She was profoundly relieved when all three returned home from the war.

Kathy married Vic Eachon in Post Falls on December 20, 1947. They recently celebrated 72 years of devoted and loving marriage. They lived in Coeur d’Alene where their four children were born, eventually moving to a home on the Rimrock. During that time she began a part-time and later full-time job at the Naval Ship Research and Development Center in Bayview. The family moved to Bayview in 1960 and lived “inside the fence.” She retired in 1988. Kathy had an “active” retirement. She was a busy member of a church her entire life. A founding member of Bethel Baptist Church and a member for 40 years, she taught Sunday School, was an Awana’s leader, helped in the nursery, organized funeral dinners and other special occasions. In addition, she attended Bible Study Fellowship faithfully, played in the church Hand Bell Choir, served as Deaconess and Fellowship Chairperson for many years.

In addition to her faith, her interest in healthy living and eating were cornerstones of her life; she was an early follower of Adele Davis, an early nutritionist and author. Whole grains, no sugar, fresh veggies, and fresh eggs (she had to know the chicken) were her way of life; she was not shy in sharing her views on the subject. Exercise was key; she was an avid walker, joined an aerobics class and participated in 25 Bloomsdays. One of her biggest challenges, when her health began to fail, was to accept that she could no longer participate in Bloomsday. She firmly believed everyone should do it at least once. Kathy also loved Silverwood. One of her greatest joys up until last year was her Gold Pass ­— it allowed her to take two people in for free. She had a network of friends who also had gold passes and they would get together to get whole families in for free. A real gift for family and friends.

Kathy also volunteered for the Ladies VFW Auxiliary, the Post Falls Historical Society, and served on the committee that restored the old Presbyterian Church (now the Jacklin Center) in Post Falls. When the Ironman came to Coeur d’Alene, she was quick to volunteer and drug Vic along to volunteer as well.

Kathy was a godly woman, who loved her Lord, her country, and was fiercely devoted to her family. Vic and Kathy were an inspiration to so many for how they lived their lives, their selflessness in helping others and their devotion to family. They could always be counted on to jump in and help, even if it was to drop off a bag of much-needed groceries or a loaf of homemade bread.

Kathy’s greatest legacy to her family, friends and all who knew her was her strong faith and love for Jesus – she lived her life in a way that pleased the Lord and as an example to others.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Ronald and Warren. She is survived by her husband of 72 years, Victor, at their home on Eachon Boulevard in Hayden, Idaho; her loving children, Judy (Chris) Thompson of Sagle, Idaho, Dave (Carol) Eachon of Athol, Idaho, Susan (Darwin) Huber of Beulah, N.D., and Steve (Patti) Eachon of Hayden, Idaho; ten grandchildren: Brenda, Nichole, Dana, Jeremy, Andrew, Christopher, Ben, Brandan, Daryl, and Darrin; fifteen great grandchildren: Zach, Corey, Taylor, Tony, Liberty, Nicholas, Karson, Jace, Finn, Piper, Tre, Stephanie, Dale, Caleb, and Janelle; five great-great-grandchildren: Hadley, Gavin, Tru, Gage, and baby Darwin. Kathy is also survived by her brother, Gordon of Priest River, Idaho and many, many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, Kathy would like donations in her name to the Union Gospel Mission or Hospice of North Idaho.

The family would like to thank the Schneidmiller Hospice House and their caring and supporting staff for the compassionate and loving care they gave Kathy during her last days. We are forever grateful.

A service celebrating Kathy’s life will be held Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020, at 1 p.m., with viewing at noon, at Coeur d’Alene Bible Church, 5350 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Kathy’s online memorial and sign her guestbook at yatesfuneralhomes.com.