Kathryn Ann Ralston

Kathryn Ann Keesler Ralston, curator of rocks, stories, beauty, and friends, died on Wednesday, September 9, 2015, four days after Dick and Kathy's 46th wedding anniversary.Kathy was born in Red Oak, Iowa to Max and Grace Keesler on March 15, 1938. She graduated from Red Oak High School in 1955 and has remained close to many of her fellow graduates, attending and helping to organize reunions over the years. She went on to get a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature from the University of Iowa in 1959. Kathy married Dick Ralston in 1969. Dick and Kathy raised their six children together. The children remained actively involved in Kathy's life and adventures, affording her the greatest joy of her life. Dick and Kathy had twelve grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A Master Gardener, Kathy spent countless hours bringing beauty to life. Her gift extended to the gardens of friends, random strangers, and restaurants, where she could often be found dead-heading pots of flowers as she chatted with a friend over lunch. Kathy loved all things natural; she collected rocks, seeds, shells, and dried plants as she jeeped through the Colorado mountains, combed the beaches in New Zealand, and walked the rainforests in Costa Rica and Taiwan. Her love of nature extended to animals. Her home was ruled by a series of persnickety cats. She and Dick created a haven in their backyard for birds. Kathy was an avid reader, her house was filled with books. She picked up new books with every shopping trip and was always in the middle of four or five novels. Her passion for books inspired others “ her children, grandchildren, friends, even the town of Lyons as she supported the building of a new library after the flood. One could always count on Kathy for a great book recommendation. Alongside her passion for literature lived a relish for stories. Kathy collected stories from her own experiences and listened thoughtfully as friends and strangers told the stories of their own lives. She retold these stories with her characteristic sense of humor, finding laughter and strength where others might have only found tragedy and disappointment. Anyone who has visited Kathy's home knows that she was a collector, supporter, and creator of art. With a taste for color and an eye for beauty, she supported artisans, craftsmen, painters, potters, alike. An artist of her own right, tucked between curios collected from around the world, antiques, and art, were her own creations “ embroidery, quilts, and paintings. Kathy was the center of a wide circle of friends, from friendships forged in her youth to those made with unlikely acquaintances. Kathy has been a treasured friend to many because she could be counted on to listen, laugh, and share her generous spirit. As you keep Kathy in your heart, remembering her laughter, intelligence, and generosity, please love one another. Her celebration of life service will be from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM on Tuesday, October 13 at the Lionscrest Manor, 603 Indian Lookout Road, Lyons, CO 80540. After the service there will be lunch, refreshments, and live music entertainment. The family asks that anyone who wishes to donate in Kathy's honor, donate to Lyons Regional Library District Foundation Building Fund, P.O. Box 619, Lyons CO 80540. Visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to share condolences.