July 6, 1936 - December 15, 2023
Mary Kathleen (known to most as Kathy) was born to Lola and Alvin Watts in Fresno, California and was the older sister of Bonnie Lee (Watts) Ray.
Kathy and her husband Melvin Stevenson met and became friends when they were just seven years old. The day Melvin completed his service in the US Navy, he hitchhiked from Oakland to Fresno, got his car out of storage and together he and Kathy eloped. This past November 5, was their 65th wedding anniversary. Together they loved and taught their two children, Cindy and Shawn, how to be committed to those you love through thick and thin, good times and bad ... you kept your vows until the end. Melvin did just this. Not a day went by that he did not love and care for Kathy.
Kathy was known for her outspoken manner, but to know her was to love her. Her heart was as big as the ocean and if you needed anything, she was always there to help. It was said, “she never met a stranger” one conversation with Kathy and you were considered a friend. She loved people and especially children. She loved to go “visiting” and spend time talking with people, thus the nickname “Chatty Kathy”.
Her family and friends will deeply miss her, but heaven was finally ready for this feisty Irish lady.
A private graveside service will be held, but Kathy’s family wishes to thank everyone who loved and cared for her. Her earthly body may be gone, but her spirit lives on in each of us.
Kathy loved animals, especially her dogs. They all came to her as pups or senior strays that needed a loving home, and she gave them that and more. Special treats every morning, truck rides every day at 4 pm and a warm place on her lap all day long. If possible, she would have had dozens! In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her memory to the Eastern Madera SPCA, a non-profit, no-kill shelter, https://www.emcspca.org/.../tributes-and-memorials-online...
