Obituary of Kathryn Louise Chamberlain

Kathryn “Katy” Louise Varney Chamberlain - 84, passed away January 26, 2019. Katy was born May 30, 1934 to Harry and Kathryn Varney in Beaverton, Oregon. Katy’s family moved to Washougal, Washington at a young age where she attended and graduated from high school.

Katy married Richard “Dick” Chamberlain in 1952 and together raised six children; DeeAnna, Harry, Keith, Julie, Warren and Dennis.

Katy was very involved with her children in 4-H and worked full-time outside the home, keeping her very busy. Katy was a 4-H leader for cooking, meal preparation, canning and assisted Dick as a 4-H leader for dairy, and horses and organizing trail rides to Mt. Adams. Katy was also involved in 4-H foreign exchange program and the family hosted students from Turkey and Japan.

Both her and Dick worked full time at the Camas paper mill for many years. As her children grew, shift work was no longer a viable option and she became a school bus driver for Washougal School District giving her similar hours and days off as her children. While working at the paper mill, they also had a small farm, she directed children and chores; feeding horses, goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, calves, pigs and sometimes milking cows. Also, during that time, she worked with Clark County foster care system, providing a home on the farm for several foster children.

In 1971, Dick and Katy moved their family to Vale and made a home in Willowcreek. They moved with a small herd of milk cows, established Dairylain Farms and dairied and farmed until their retirement in 2003. Katy continued to be a 4-H leader after moving to Vale as well as being an active member of local and state dairy wives organizations. Their involvement in the dairy industry took them on many adventures and grew many friendships such as their friendship with close friends, Marvin and Frances Rempel.

Many in the community will remember Katy in the 1980’s for her small restaurant “Katy’s Place” where she was known for having the best food, especially her pizza.

For many years, Katy and Dick enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and spending warm winters in the south. Katy had a love for cats and “Damn Cat” accompanied them on many trips in the motor home. Katy enjoyed sewing and quilting. All her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren received quilts from Katy. She loved playing games and cards, particularly pinochle. The night before she passed, she played pinochle with friends and stayed at the head table all evening.

Katy was proceeded in death by Dick, her husband of 62 years, her parents and brother, Wes.

Katy is survived by her children: DeeAnna Chamberlain of Keizer, Oregon, Harry Chamberlain (Tammy) of Vale, Keith Chamberlain (Debbie) of Carson, Washington, Warren (Lori) Chamberlain of Vale, Dennis (Mary) Chamberlain of Ritzville, Washington and Julie (Eric) Johnson of Idaho Falls, Idaho. Grandchildren: Stephanie (Nick) Bradley, Richard (Michaela) Daughters, Christopher (Savannah) Daughters, Elizabeth Littleton, Crystle (Nate) Carpenter, Greg (Samantha) Chamberlain, Stacey Chamberlain, John (Kayleigh) Chamberlain, Melanie Chamberlain, Kimberlee Chamberlain, Darci (Marty) Allen, David (Megan) Allen, Jeremy (Anna-Marie) Chamberlain, Jason (Mary) Chamberlain, Derek (Claire) Chamberlain, Garrett Chamberlain, Cody Chamberlain, Marc Chamberlain, Kym Chamberlain, Kayla Chamberlain, Lee Johnson, Anna Johnson, Kevin (Jenny) Johnson, Ian Johnson, 31 great grandchildren, sister: Sally (Bob) Straughan of Vale, sisters-in-law: Joy Chamberlain and Edith Erickson and numerous nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to the staff at Pioneer Assisted Living Facility where Katy called home for the past 3 years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Willowcreek Community Church.

Celebration of Katy’s life will be held, Sunday, February 10 at 1:00 pm at the Willowcreek Elementary School.

Arrangements by Lienkaemper Chapel, Vale