Kathryn was born on the 2nd day of December in 1941 to Ralp and Dorothy Pickel in Chaney, Washington. Kathryn was the 2nd child born of 11. She had 3 brothers and 7 sisters in which sisters in which most reside in the state of Wahington.

Growing up in Yakima Valley, Kathryn worked in the asparagus fields, and in the orchards picking fruit, she learned a lot about food handling and preservation. She was a very active member in 4-H and at the age of 14 along with her friend, Eileen Forster, she was awarded top honors from the state of Washington for food preparation and serving competition. At the age of 16 she came to Calif. To visit relatives and started working in the café at the auction yard, in Willows, owned and operated by Bob and Dottie Howard. This is where she met Ellery Tanson. On September 25, 1985, Kathryn and Ellery were married. They built their home in Orland and later had three children; Dale, Bonita and Shirley “Sug”.

Kathryn worked at many jobs throughout her life. During seasons, she worked at the Orland Orange Growers, and at West Coast Products. Where she worked full time for 42 years. Her title was “Quality Control”. Her job was supervising sorting, labeling, Ph levels, testing, order fulfillment, and weigh-master during receiving. It was during these years that she formed some of her strongest friendships with her co-workers and growers. At the age of 72 she retired.

When Kathryn wasn’t at her job, she was busy being a cattle rancher, gardener, quilter, baker and home canning expert. She became a 4-H leader for the Capay 4-H club where she taught the art of preserving and canning fruits and baking all kinds of cookies and breads. She enjoyed being with the kids and dedicated a lot of her time to teaching them. She also donated many years volunteering her baked good and cooking pots of beans for the annual Capay Volunteer Fire Department.

After retiring from West Coast Products, Kathryn took up the arts of quilting. Her good friend and mentor, Donna Marley, showed her how to quilt and very week they would get together along with friends from the First Baptist Church to make quilts and tie them for foster children and different charities.

Kathryn was well known in her community and was well thought of by many of all ages. When she wasn’t busy working and volunteering, you could find her at home tending her flowers, filling her hummingbird feeders, and visiting with her friends and family on the patio over a cup of coffee. She will be greatly missed.

In her final days she was surrounded by many family members and well cared for by those who loved and cherished her most. The family would like to thank Butte County Home Health Hospice for all their love and support during this difficult time.

Kathryn is survived by her three children; Dale (Rachel), Bonita, Shirley “Sug” (Wade), nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, as well as her 8 siblings and numerous nieces and nephews.

In honor of Kathryn’s memory, a gathering will be held for family and friends on Oct. 17th at 1 pm at Kathryn’s home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Capay Volunteer Fire Dept. or Butte Home Health Hospice.

Arrangements are held under the direction of Sweet-Olsen Family Mortuary.