Kathryn Lenora Shields

Kathryn (Kathy) Lenora Shields was born in Lamont, Wash., to Katherine (Irene Kelly) and Cleo R. Thompson. She passed away peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by family on Dec. 13, 2023, after complications from a fall at age 90. Kathy moved numerous times in her childhood until her family settled in Four Lakes, Wash., where she graduated from Cheney High School. She attended Eastern Washington College. In 1955 she married William (Bill) Shields and moved to Lamont, Wash., where they together raised their children on the family farm. Kathy remained living at the farm for 60 years until her death. For many years, Kathy worked for local banks, the U.S. Post Office and the Lamont Fire District.

Kathy was well connected with her community and loved being involved in activities. She enjoyed the years she spent as part of the Lamont Kitchen Kuties, a singing group who performed at local events and nursing homes. She had a love of genealogy and history which inspired her to be a part of the Local Historical Society, together they published a book on the area families and town history. The Annual Western Art Show in Spokane was a highlight for Kathy. She loved to travel, a few of her favorite trips were to New York City and cruises to Australia/New Zealand, Caribbean and through the Panama Canal. Above all these things she had a great love of family, showing this through the care she provided for numerous relatives in their final years.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 49 years (William Shields), son Michael Shields and brother John Thompson. She is survived by her children Billie Jo Davison (Tim), Ed Shields (Denise) and sister Florence Elaine Nave. In addition her grandchildren; Ryan Schultz (Laura), Alissa Engles (Scott), Krista Miller (Ryan), Andrew Shields (Angie), Stacie Schultheis (Kyle), Dalton Wilkie, Janaye Wilkie, Lea Shields, Chris Shields (Nicky) and Michael Shields along with fourteen great-grandchildren and seven nieces and nephews who will all miss her dearly.

A funeral will be held on January 6th, 11 a.m. at Mary Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Sprague, Wash. A reception to follow at Sprague Community Center. Viewing will be on Friday, January 5th from 3 – 5 p.m. at Cheney Funeral Chapel in Cheney, Wash. Memorial donations can be made to the Lamont Fire Department.