Kathy Munoz, 73

In Memory of Kathy Denise Munoz, July 13, 1951-Nov. 19, 2024.

Kathy Denise (Halvorson) Munoz, 73, of Buckeye, Arizona, passed away on Nov. 19, 2024. Born on July 13, 1951, in Billings, she was the beloved wife of Richard Munoz for 50 years.

After her graduation from Flathead High School in Kalispell, Kathy pursued higher education, attaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in home economics, clothing and textiles from the University of Montana. It was there that she met her future husband, Richard. Kathy furthered her education by earning a Master of Science in nutrition and exercise physiology from Oregon State University and a Doctor of Education in education administration from the University of Southern California.  

For 30 years, Kathy was a professor of nutrition at California Polytechnic State University-Humboldt. During her career, Kathy served as chair of the Department of Kinesiology and Recreation Administration and as associate dean of the College of Professional Studies. She also contributed to published research and co-authored books, including several editions of a college-level nutrition textbook.

Kathy served her community in many ways. She participated in Distinguished Young Women, formerly known as America's Junior Miss, for over 30 years. She served as the Montana State Junior Miss Program choreographer, the Southern Humboldt Junior Miss Program director for nearly 20 years and a program judge throughout California. She was also inducted into the California Junior Miss Hall of Fame for her contributions to the program. She also served as a member of the school board and local booster clubs, and as a volunteer nutrition counselor.

Kathy's main priority and most important accomplishment was raising her three children. Much time was spent attending their activities and sporting events. In retirement, Kathy continued to enjoy spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She loved to travel. During her lifetime, she travelled to four continents, numerous countries, and each of the United States of America. Kathy and Rich enjoyed exploring new places and experiencing unique cultures together.

Kathy is survived by her loving husband, Rich; her sister, Vicki Cook; and her three children, Heather Munoz and her husband, Chris Maxwell, Wesley Munoz and his wife, Brittany and Ryan Munoz. Additionally, she leaves behind three grandchildren, Heston Munoz, Tobin Maxwell and Declan Maxwell. She is also survived by uncles, Aloyus and Murill Halvorson; aunts, Arlene and Carol Halvorson; numerous cousins and her godchildren, Sean Gallagher and Sophia Miles.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene Dennis Halvorson and Margaret Sylvia (Granum) Halvorson; her granddaughter, Londyn Munoz and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.  

Kathy will be deeply missed by her family and friends, whose lives she touched with her warmth and generosity.

A Mass for Kathy will be held at St. Joseph’s Church in Tolna, North Dakota, on July 19 at 11 a.m. The Mass will be followed by burial in the Tolna Cemetery and a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to PSP & CBD Foundation, which assists with funding research toward a cure for corticobasal degeneration.