Kathleen Marie Grider

age 61, passed away peacefully at her home in Willits, CA surrounded by family on January 28, 2021. Battling breast cancer for the third time Kathleen’s graceful acceptance, valiant struggle and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ inspired all those around her. Kathleen was born to Bernard & Catherine Duffy in Spokane, Washington. She grew up in an Irish Catholic family being one of nine children. She grew up walking to school with her brothers and sisters, one of her favorite adventures was her father taking her and her siblings to play in the Spokane River near their family home. They spent summers on the family ranch where many great memories were made and years later wonderful memories with her own family. Kathleen graduated high school and attended Spokane Falls Community College for general studies graduating in June of 1980. She moved to Wyoming in 1982 to be closer to her sister, Margaret, and to pursue a degree in Nursing. It was in Wyoming in 1983 that Kathleen met her husband, Douglas Grider. Kathleen devoted her life to the Lord and her family. Doug and Kathleen’s house was never quiet with children running around and always a few extra that thought of her as a second mom. She served as “The lunch lady” at Deep Valley Christian School where her three boys attended. She volunteered her time at Redwood Valley Community Church’s Awana’s program where now her grandchildren attended. She worked at the nursery at Redwood Valley Community Church every Sunday; she was that familiar face greeting everyone she came in contact with a smile and pure joy. Throughout Kathleen’s life she was known for her infectious laugh that would fill an entire room with laughter and her extraordinary love for dancing and singing was known by all who knew her. She had a miraculous way of knowing those who were in need of a compassionate heart and always reached out to ensure they knew she was there for them, anytime. She is preceded in death by her father and mother, Bernard Duffy and Catherine Duffy and her four brothers, Michael, Pat, Kevin and Sean. She is survived by her husband, Douglas Grider, her three sons, James, Jeb and Jordan, her four stepchildren, Jason, Jessica, Jeremy and Lauren, her sixteen grandchildren, her two sisters, Rose Duffy and Margaret Duffy as well as many nieces and nephews. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Kathleen will be missed by so many. Her loving presence will live in the hearts of everyone she touched throughout her years.

The family is planning a celebration of life for late summer 2021. Donations in Kathleen’s memory can be made to Deep Valley Christian School or the Awana’s program at Redwood Valley Community Church.