Katherine Virginia Stafford

Katherine Virginia Stafford was born January 7, 1928 in Old Fort, Tennessee to William Clifford Parris and Hattie Bell Headrick. Katherine was raised in Polk County in the Great Smoky Mountain region of the Appalachian Range. Katherine attended school in Polk County and Redondo Beach, California. Katherine married Arlin Stafford in Murray County, Georgia on April 25, 1947. Arlin and Katherine lived in California and Tennessee until 1950 when they moved to Southern California for Arlin’s work in the construction industry and where Katherine worked for Mattel, Inc. In 1963 the family moved to Grants Pass, Oregon on the banks of the Rogue River. Katherine worked for Drive N Save where she made many friends. In 1982 Arlin and Katherine built a home outside Rogue River; for several years they owned a second home in LaPine and spent many hours fishing on the Deschutes River.. In their latter years, Katherine served as caregiver for Arlin, a decorated World War II veteran, until his death September 21, 2015. Katherine is survived by her sister, Alma Ruth Thyne of Klamath Falls, Oregon; sister-in-law, Ruth Spangler of Soddy Daisy, Tennessee; daughters Joyce Olson (Al); Kathie Philp (Bill); Barbara Weaver; Linda Kappen (Gery); and son David Stafford (Aimee); 12 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Earl, Jack, William Clifford, Arnold, and Donald; and grandson, Thomas Agee. Katherine loved quilting and created a unique quilt for each grandchild’s high school graduation. Katherine enjoyed genealogical research; a network of family members depended on her to expand knowledge of their ancestry. She loved the ocean, whether it was the Oregon coast on a stormy day or a warm sandy beach in Hawaii. Fishing was a favorite pastime and Katherine was fortunate to enjoy one last fishing excursion in August. Katherine was a devoted spouse to Arlin; a kind, caring, generous, witty, smart, and oh so stubborn woman. Katherine was extremely loyal to her friends and proud of her family. We will miss her smile and her steadfast heart. May she rest in peace with her love, Arlin.