Kathleen Myra Castleberg, 77, of Brownsville, Oregon passed away Tuesday at her home. She was born in Antigo, Wisconsin to Robert Floyd and Kathryn Adella (Langendorf) Burt.

After WWII, Kathleen’s parents settled the family in Pamona, California where she and her siblings attended school through high school. Growing up, she was a member of the Pamona Trinity Methodist Church where she met and married Bernard L. Castleberg in 1957.

Kathleen graduated from Humbolt State with a Teaching Certificate. She also received a Masters Degree in Education from University of San Francisco. When her husband was assigned to the Ukiah, California Bureau of Land Management Office, she was hired to teach at Nokomis School.

Kathleen taught for over 30 years in classrooms from kindergarten to sixth grades, including many combinations thereof. “Mrs. C” challenged her students to meet her high standards of citizenship and encouraged the development of superior work habits. She made her classrooms rich and stimulating by complementing the “3-R’s” with activities in art, drama, cooking, hands-on science, study trips, etc. She coached girls after school sports teams, staged many plays and programs and supported all school activities. Colleagues and parents regarded her with respect and affection. Students often identified her as their favorite teacher.

She was a member of the Ukiah Methodist Church and regularly participated in worship, served as a Communion Steward, taught regular Sunday School and ran Vacation Bible School. After retiring from regular teaching, she assisted in the special education program at Frank Zeek School. In 2006, she and her husband relocated to Brownsville. She continued pursuit of her hobbies and was an active member of the Halsey Methodist Church where she taught regular Sunday School and ran Vacation Bible School

Kathleen’s many interests and hobbies included playing bridge, reading, gardening, cooking, and ceramics. She loved music, nature, and children.

Kathleen is survived by: her husband, Bernard; their son, Russell Allen Castleberg; daughter-in-law Karen Castleberg; brother Lowell Burt; niece Shannon Burt; sister Naomi Engstrom; nephew Marc Engstrom and niece Ingrid Riley. Her family will miss her sweet, positive outlook on life.

A gathering will be held at a future date in Brownsville to honor Kathleen’s memory. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Halsey Methodist Church or Hospice. Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.