Katherine "Kitty" Ruth Hartley

Katherine “Kitty” Ruth Hartley passed away August 27, 2023 at Central Peninsula Hospital in Soldotna after an extended illness, surrounded by her children.

A 75-year resident of Alaska, Ms. Hartley was born in Palmer January 6, 1948, winning the First Baby of the New Year Contest chronicled in the Valley Frontiersman Newspaper. Katherine is a member of the George and Irene Venne Family, one of the Matanuska Valley Colonist Families. Raised by her parents, James N. Hartley and Joanne L. Hartley in Palmer until moving to Kenai in the early 50’s where her parents ran a department store and commercially fished on Kalgin Island. Ms. Hartley shared many fond memories with her children and grandchildren of the times she spent on Kalgin Island. The Hartley Family moved to Finger Lake in the mid 1960’s a place also full of happy memories.

Kitty graduated from Central School in Palmer Alaska in 1966. She lived in Glennallen, Kenai, and Palmer while raising her 4 children. Katherine was a talented medical transcriptionist and enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, gardening, preserving salmon, beach combing for agates, and crafting. During her retirement, Kitty recognized her dream of living in Arizona and enjoyed sharing her many adventures with her children and grandchildren.

Her children write, “Our Mom was an unwavering source of strength and compassion. She was adored by her family and will be profoundly missed. She took comfort in knowing that Jesus was her Savior and healing would take place in Heaven. We will carry her love for family on in her memory and think of her fondly each time we see lady bugs, beaches, or the color purple.”

Katherine was preceded in death by her Father, James N. Hartley, Mother Joanne L. Hartley, birth Mother Eileen Venne, siblings, Penny Strickland, Michael Quant, Tanya Holeman-Pillars, nephew, Mark O Moffitt, grandsons Spencer L. Hodsdon, and Max Joseph, uncles, Bob (Marcella) Hartley, and Lee (Maralyn) Hartley, and mother-in-law, Neta Dortland.

Katherine is survived by her children, Tammy (John) Perry, Scott (Tammy) Briggs, Jessica Marden, Jennifer (Butch) Ehmann; siblings, Joni (Fritz) Caulkins, Karen (Jim) Bielefeld, and James Hartley; grandchildren Morgan, Thomas, Julia, Noelle, Seth, Kaylee, Callie, Butchie; great-grandchildren, Jubilee Luna, Sadie Marie and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

No formal services will take place, as Katherine requested, but we do appreciate your love and support during this difficult time. Tributes and memories are greatly appreciated and can be mailed to PO Box 602 Kenai AK 99611.