Kathryn E. Coleman

Katherine E. "Kay" Coleman, 89, died March 30, 2014 at her Ilwaco residence with her family at her side. The daughter of George and Kathryn Copple, she was born May 13, 1924 in Madison, Minnesota. On August 30, 1947 she married Walter Coleman and they established their residence in Stevenson, Washington and then settling at their home in Portland in the early 1970's. Having visited the local area for a number of years, in the late 1970s she and Walt came to the Peninsula where together they operated the charter vessel Kay II out of the Port of Ilwaco until retirement. Kay kept busy as a wife, homemaker and mother. She worked as a bartender, made chocolates at Milton York Candies and was instrumental in establishing the lounge area at The Lamplighter in Seaview. In addition to various other part time jobs she also sold mobile homes. Kay believed in giving back to this community and accordingly she was President of the Lady Elks at Long Beach #1937; volunteered at the Long Beach Thrift Shop; ran the Ilwaco Food Ban for a number of years; founded the "Helping Hands" charity for local families; initiated along with Walt the annual "Christmas Baskets" for the Elks; and faithfully donated blood up until her late 80s. Also, she volunteered with the USO during WWII. There is even a picture of Kay with Gene Kelly and Errol Flynn. Kay made a difference in this community and the lives of those around her. Kay is survived by her son Jamie Coleman; brother Jim Copple; sisters Wilma Ball, June Gordon and Barbara Russell; grandchildren Tara Ferrell, Jamie Coleman Jr., Todd Hagnas, Tyson and Kristy Asher, Matthew and Nicole Coleman, Melissa and Trevor Swan and Hollie and Corey Clark; great-grandchildren Rion and Darcy Bird, Shannon Hagnas, Amanda Ferrell, Logan and Kylie Asher, and Cameron Swan; and great-great grandchild Christian Hagnas. She was preceded in death by her husband Walt, daughter Kathy Asher, sons Corey and Ronald Coleman, brother George Copple, and sisters Mattie Walker and Rachel Wedrick. A celebration of her life and reception will be held Saturday, April 12, 2014, 1:00 PM at Penttila's Chapel by The Sea in Long Beach. Her guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.