Katie Lorraine Rousey

Long time Palmer resident Katie Lorraine Rousey, 84, passed away peacefully on May 11th, 2023. A service will be held at the Elks Lodge on Saturday, August 5th at 3pm.

Katie was born on August 14th , 1938, in Oroville, California. She was in the first graduating class of Paradise High School in 1955. After moving to Alaska, she met and married Norman Schuyler Rousey on August 6, 1959, in Palmer, Alaska. As a committed stay-at-home mom, she took care of the house, shopping, meals, the accounting, and more. Band concerts, equestrian events, swim meets; the kids were always on time and with the proper equipment. When all her children reached adulthood, Katie returned to school and received her Veterinary Technicians license. She proudly worked at the Palmer Veterinary Clinic for over 25 years. One of her many qualities was an extra special connection with ALL animals. Katie was able to manage even the most irascible pets. This was also true about her impact on people.

In retirement, Katie turned to traveling. She would frequently drive the Alcan highway solo, visiting the western states before returning on the same road all the time enjoying nature, silence, and capturing life through the lens of her camera. For many, Katie’s talent was most apparent in her photography. She had the patience to wait for the right picture, and the vision to describe the moment to perfection in her writing and poetry. This is part of what made her, and her artwork, so special.

Katie had many talents. She was voted “Most Athletic” in her Senior year of High School. Katie was known to be a fierce competitor in softball, racquetball, and golf. Equally impressive was her art, as she excelled in drawing, painting, and carving. Her talent as a soapstone carver was highlighted when she was selected to produce a gift for a retiring general. The general’s team landed a helicopter at Matanuska Lake Park to procure the sculpture. Katie delivered, and the general was pleased. Katie had a heart of gold, and many people and four-legged critters are better because of her kindness.

Katie is survived by her two daughters and son, Rhonda Rousey-Knopp, Jenny Rousey-Dick and Norman David Rousey, her two sons-in-law, Jim Dick, and David Knopp four grandchildren, Schyler Knopp and daughter-in-law Karenth, Dawson Knopp, Tracen Knopp and Reed Norman Rousey. Recently, she was able to welcome her great grandchildren, Kazmer Knopp and Zigana Knopp. Katie loved every minute spent with her precious family.

The family wishes that all cards and well wishes be sent to Box 140 Palmer, Alaska 99645.