Kathryn Lois Mahrt Brannon

March 15, 1940 – October 11, 2023

Kathryn Lois Mahrt Brannon was born to Evelyn and Peter Mahrt on March 15, 1940 in Spokane, WA.  She was raised on the family wheat farm near Reardan, WA and graduated from Reardan High School, where she was class valedictorian. At Washington State University she majored in English Literature and graduated with a BA in 1962.  At WSU, she met Tom Brannon while singing in the church choir, and they married on July 7, 1962.  Kathy served as a supportive partner as Tom earned an MS in Forestry and Range Management and while working on livestock ranches in eastern Washington. They continued their life together at the WSU Colockum Multiple Use Research Unit where Kathy was well known for the excellent food she prepared for classes touring the unit.  Later she joined the US Postal Service where she was a well loved carrier delivering mail for Malaga and its rural route.

Kathy was well known for her involvement in the community. Throughout her life she joyfully served St. Joseph’s Church: teaching catechism classes, singing in the choir, and making banners, vestments, and altar cloths. Kathy was a fearless and prolific maker of things both artistic and practical, and she was happy to teach others the crafts.  

Kathy was a creative and resourceful mother, sewing the family’s clothes and putting delicious food on the table.  She was a person who loved nature, gardening, and watching birds. She had an eagle eye for spotting game. She knew and was loved by many in her community, and she will be dearly missed.  Kathy is survived by her husband Tom, children Susan Perry (Steve), Mary Ann Vasbinder, Joseph Brannon (Maria), John Brannon, James Brannon (Nancy), David Brannon (Megan), her brother William Mahrt and sister Susan Perkins, 8 grandchildren and 3 great- grandchildren. A Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00am, Friday, October 27 in Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 625 South Elliott Ave. Wenatchee.