Kathryn Rae Deffenbaugh, 59, of Sweet Home, Oregon passed away Monday, March 10, 2014. She was born in Lebanon to Juanita (Arthur) and Charles Deffenbaugh, Sr.

Kathy was raised and lived most of her life in the Liberty area of Sweet Home except for four years in Alaska, five years in Albany, and a year in Lebanon. In her adult life, she lived at Lemuel House, Robb House, and Chamberlain House before moving into her own apartment. After several years on her own, she moved back to the Liberty area to live with her mom and dad.

Kathryn Rae Deffenbaugh

She worked for Sunshine Industries in Albany doing work for Smokecraft and also attended LBCC. She participated in Special Olympics in track and field and bowling.

Kathy loved to macrame and knit, she used yarn to cover hangers for all her friends and family. She also loved bowling, dancing, singing, watching professional wrestling and football, Elvis Presley, and country music. She liked traveling and made a few trips to Alaska to visit family. For her 50th birthday, she went to Nashville and Memphis with her sister to tour Elvis Presley sites. Her most loved hobby was taking pictures of her family, friends, and landscapes. She would take pictures when no one was paying attention and captured many great moments and memories.

Kathy is survived by: her parents, Charles and Juanita Deffenbaugh of Sweet Home; sisters Tanya Roundtree of Petersburg, Alaska and Lewanna Wilson of Sweet Home; brothers Charles Deffenbaugh Jr. and Jeff Deffenbaugh of Florence; 12 nieces and nephews; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by: her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J.O. Deffenbaug; and Mr. and Mrs. Earnest Arthur.

Viewing will be 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., Monday, March 17, at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel. A graveside service will take place at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 19, at Gilliland Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Kathryn’s name to Special Olympics.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.