Kathi Ann Kohler

Kathi was born Kathleen Ann Martinsen on October 20, 1949 in Corona, CA to her parents Ray Martinsen and Elaine Martinsen (Bisenius). She was raised in Lake Elsinore, CA, living at the hotel/café/bus stop owned and run by her parents (she had her own hotel room as a child!). When she was in high school, her parents sold their business and the family moved to Escondido, CA where Kathi completed high school. At the age of 16, Kathi had to deal with the trauma of the unexpected passing of her father Ray. Her mother Elaine later remarried to Al Smith, who did an amazing job of filling the huge void in their lives. In 1971, Kathi’s daughter, Sheri, was born. After a couple of years, Kathi and Sheri moved to live with Kathi’s parents in Las Vegas, NV, where Kathi worked at the gas station her parents owned and operated – an Arco station right behind the MGM Grand. In 1978, the family sold the gas station and moved to Kent, WA. Kathi took a job as a Draft Clerk for Qwest, where she worked for over 20 years before retirement. It was then that Kathi landed her dream job – as nanny for her two grandchildren, Zacary and Elliott.

In her spare time, Kathi loved to read, crochet blankets, bake, play table games and go shopping. She was known for the beautiful baby blankets she made and especially for her chocolate chip cookies that were loved by all. Her favorite thing to do however was to spend time with her family. She loved being “Gammy” and “Gam” the most and was thrilled to do anything and everything with her grandchildren.

Kathi was known as a kind and sweet woman who greeted everyone with a smile. She showed her love by showering people with baked goods, gifts, and her time. Kathi taught her family what unconditional love truly means by example – a gift that will forever live in their hearts.

Kathi is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sheri and Mike Carney, and her two grandsons, Zacary Chandler and Elliott Carney. She was so proud of her family and was happy to brag about each of them to anyone and everyone.

Church services for Kathi will be held on Thursday, Dec 1st at 11am at St Stephen the Martyr church in Renton, WA, with reception immediately following. Burial will be at 2pm at Greenwood Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your favorite charity in Kathi’s honor.