Kathleen Marie Petzel

June 6, 1947 -- March 20, 2025

Kathy was born in Los Angeles, CA to parents Stephen and Mary Binder; Kathy was 77 when she passed to be with her Lord. She graduated from Warren High School in 1965. Shortly after her senior year she met and fell in love with a young college man, Gary Petzel. Soon after, she married the love of her life on July 30, 1966 at Trinity Bible Church in Hollydale, CA.

The two moved around a bit in their early years landing in Pacific Beach, CA then to Clear Lake City, TX where they both worked for NASA on the Apollo project. This is where Kathy bought a horse named Dandy and she began to ride. Dandy and Kathy were quite the pair. Thereafter they moved to Cerritos, CA where both daughters, Julie and Kelley were born. After a short move to Huntington Beach, CA they moved to Woodinville, WA in 1978 where they raised their children; they’ve lived in Woodinville for nearly 47 years.

Kathy was a student of the Bible; encouraging and motivating others with God’s word. She was a student of nutrition and environmental medicine; she freely shared all she knew to help others in their quest for health. Kathy was an artist, colorist and designer; she painted with watercolor, oils and pastels; she painted seascapes, landscapes, still lifes and portraits. She took art classes as early as high school, taught art classes to the youth and continued to study and learn throughout her lifetime. Kathy was a passionate gardener; she was a photographer with a keen eye. Kathy was a student of higher education; she attended Lake Washington Institute of Technology and received a certification in front-office Medical Service. She also received a degree in Interior Design from Bellevue College. Kathy loved music, she was a musician; singing, playing the piano and guitar. At this past Christmas Eve party she treated us all by playing the piano and singing Christmas carols.

Kathy was Gary’s best friend and he was hers. Together they shined, they showed others what true love and commitment was. Kathy’s smile was bright, she would light up a room on the most dreary day. Kathy was a perfect wife, mother, sister and grandmother. She left us all with so many memories that will fill our hearts forever.

Kathy passed away peacefully on March 20, 2025 after a long Alzheimer's illness; she was surrounded by those she loved

Kathy is survived by her husband Gary, her brother James (Jim) Binder, her daughter Kelley Sikes and husband Jason, her daughter Julie Halfaday and husband Troy and her four precious grandchildren whom she adored, Haylee Halfaday, Ella Sikes, Ethan Halfaday and Jakob Sikes.