Kathryn Lynn Gibson

June 8, 1998 – August 12, 2022

Thank you all for coming today to honor the life of a beautiful soul. A special thanks to those who traveled a long distance to be here this morning. I am truly touched by your support.

Kathryn Lynn Gibson was, among other things, a devoted mother, treasured daughter, supportive sister and cherished friend. Katie touched the life of everyone here, and some who couldn’t be here, in a way known only to each of you. Though she was still young, her effect on this world was far reaching.

Katie could be described as goofy, fun, adventurous and high-spirited! In some ways she was an innocent child yet she possessed a wisdom beyond her years.

From the time she was young, she had a way of bringing joy into the lives of others with her infectious laughter and zest for life! She loved a challenge and often proved that even girls could excel at sports traditionally enjoyed by boys. She loved being outdoors and enjoyed activities like, hunting, fishing, shooting and riding quads and dirt bikes.

When she was a young girl, she was “like a fish,” she loved to be in the water swimming, splashing and playing.

Katie’s father died when she was a freshman in high school. As you can imagine, this had a profound effect on Katie’s life. She knew the pain of losing someone she loved to diabetes and she told me she wanted to donate a kidney to someone who’s life could be transformed by her giving of herself. Katie wanted to spare another family the pain this disease could cause. She was not concerned with the pain or risk to her from being a “live donor.” Katie’s Drivers License proudly proclaimed she was an organ donor.

Katie knew and appreciated the sacrifices made by veterans and active-duty military in protection of the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. She visited Meadows Field to welcome home veterans who had bravely served their country in times of war. She knew that each veteran and service member had pledged to serve their country and accepted the risk of paying up to and including their very lives, if necessary to protect the things and people dear to them.

Katie was independent and dedicated to living life! She was honored to have been chosen to participate in a youth deer hunt on Tejon Ranch. Though her father passed away the night before, Katie chose not to miss this “once in a lifetime opportunity” and ultimately had a successful hunt.

Katie loved becoming a mother. She adored her precious baby boy and would do anything to keep him safe. Katie had hoped to have more children someday.

Katie was a true friend. She always offered her support to those she cared about. To her, friends were the part of her family she got to choose and she treasured her many great friendships. Katie was feisty and silly and enjoyed sharing life’s experiences with her large circle of friends.

Katies eyes reflected her kindness, her smile lit up the world and showed her joy and her heart was filled with love for others. I’m certain Katie is now sharing her gifts with others up above. She is, once again, dancing in her father’s arms.

I am filled with pride and honored to be the mother of such a beautiful soul and I look forward to the day when I will hold her once again.

Thank You