Kathleen Byrum

Kathleen L. Byrum passed away March 3, 2022 with her family by her side. She was born to Bill and Virginia Gillingham on March 26, 1947 in Spokane Valley, WA. She attended University High School (1965). As she was growing up, she worked for her family’s grocery store, and spent summers at Diamond Lake. Kathy attended Central Washington University and earned a teaching degree.

After graduating, she was an Elementary School Teacher for several years in Federal Way, WA. On September 8, 1979 she married Ron Byrum and moved back to the Spokane Valley. Kathy took a job at Adams Elementary to teach 5th grade for 17 years. Kathy’s service to education lasted a total of 31 years. Ron and Kathy were married for 42 years. They first met at Diamond Lake the summer of 1958 when they were teenagers. Kathy had two step children (Rick and Jeana),a daughter-in-law Amy, a son-in-law Chad and two grandchildren (Shelby and Colby) who she loved as her own. Over the years, Ron and Kathy spent time at Diamond Lake with family and friends, RVing, traveling, and spoiling their grandchildren. Kathy had a talent and a love for sewing, needlepoint, and cooking. She made countless treasures and meals that she gladly would share with anyone. Kathy had a large family, group of friends, and hundreds of students that she affected in ways that cannot be measured. Kathy’s loving spirit, outpouring of love to

her family and friends, and generosity will be severely missed.

She is survived by her husband Ron, Rick (Amy) Byrum, Jeana (Chad) Swanson, grandchildren Shelby and Colby Swanson, Brother Bill Gillingham, Sister Karen Davis, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life for Kathy at Thornhill Valley Chapel Friday, April 1st at 1:30. 1400 S. Pines Rd. Spokane Valley, WA 99206.