Kathy Hlipala, 52

Kathy "Kat" Hlipala, 52, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009, in Sandpoint.

She was the beloved sister of Karen (Kelly) Russell of Sagle, Linda Hlipala of Hope, Sandra (Sandy) Thompson of Post Falls, Eleanor (Ellie) Turiasi of Marina del Ray, Calif., Shirley Keefer of Newton Falls, Ohio, Juanita (Juan) Deede of Sun City, Ariz., James (Jimmy) Hlipala of Waltersburg, Pa., John (Sonny) Hlipala and William (Billy) Hlipala, both of Kiowa, Colo.

Kathy was born on April 1, 1956, in Waynesburg, Pa., and attended Warren Harding High School in Warren, Ohio. She worked as a caterer, managed Clancy's Bar & Grill in Warren and the BP Ice House in Roseburg, Texas, with her brother Billy. She then moved to Sandpoint in 2002 to be near her sisters, Linda, Kelly and Sandy.

Kathy was a witty and caring person who loved the company of others and brought joy to their lives. She was a talented cook and enjoyed making gourmet meals for her relatives and friends. Her love for her late poodle "Rusty" and other animals led her to contribute her time in support of the local humane society.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary (Zimmerman) Hlipala; and a niece, Tony Lynn Bradley. Kat is survived by seven nephews, one niece, five great-nieces and one great-nephew; sister-in-law, Juliet Hlipala; brothers-in-law, Jim Thompson, Jim Russell, Bob Deede and Loren Keefer; and future sisters-in-law, Jessica Wright and Ginny Ozanich.

Please sign guest registry and view online memorial at www.coffeltfuneral.com.