Kathleen Quimby

Kathleen (Kate or Katie) of Littleton Colorado passed away March 5th, 2021, following a long fight against cancer.  Katie was born September 28, 1952 in Casper Wyoming to Elmer Joseph and Juanita Love Jeffery.  Through her father, she was an enrolled member of the Northern Arapaho Native American Tribe at Wind River Wyoming, which was of great pride to her.

Her family moved frequently throughout her childhood, with Katie attending many different schools. She graduated from Kemmerer High School in Wyoming.  Katie met Charles M. “Chuck” Quimby in Tucson Arizona and they subsequently married on July 21, 1973. Following marriage, Katie had the opportunity to serve as a fire tower lookout for a summer as Chuck worked as a wildland firefighter.  Each day she would hike from the cabin where she and Chuck were living, to the fire tower, returning at evening.  This was a very special time with special memories.

During Chuck’s early career moves Katie pursued her college degree, ultimately graduating from Eastern Oregon State College in 1980 with a degree in Elementary Education.  Katie taught Elementary School for several years, ultimately deciding that her preference lay with substitute teaching.  She enjoyed opportunities to fill in for small, remote schools, including teaching at a two room schoolhouse.  She also worked as a church secretary for many years.

Throughout her adult life, Katie held a strong interest in Art.  She ultimately became quite proficient in painting. She was also very interested in fabric arts, especially quilting.   Katie first and foremost valued her relationship with her God, her marriage, her family, her education, and her artistic endeavors.

Katie was well known for her love of ferrets, rescuing and raising thirteen over a period of about 25 years.  This was a special part of her life.

Katie was preceded in death by her mother and father, a beloved stepmother (Consuelo Jeffery), one step brother (Robbie), a sister (Starlene Nievar), and an adopted daughter (Linda). She is survived by her husband of 37 years, her son Chase (Gregory), and two much loved grandsons (Elliot and Evan).  She is also survived by her sisters Beth (Butch) Austin and Misty (Lennis) Williams, two brothers, Randy Jeffery (Melissa) and Guy Lynn Jeffery, her close cousins Erma Kay Meyers and Terry Meyers and her Uncle Gene Meyers, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, including a close relationship with her nephew Lennis (Bud) Williams Jr. In addition, she is survived by a special daughter in every way but blood, Trisha Schock.

Due to the ongoing concern for the health and safety of family and friends, a Memorial Service will be held in the future when health concerns allow.  Katie and her family ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Ferret Dreams Ferret Rescue in Englewood CO, or for a memorial tree through the Easy Cremation.