Kathryn M. Whitney, 66

Kathryn M. Whitney, 66, of Hayden, went home to be with the Lord on Aug. 24, 2011. She was born Dec. 5, 1944, in St. Maries to Sam and Oma McTaggart. Her family moved to Tillamook, Ore., where her dad was a logger. Kathryn attended high school in Ellensburg, Wash.

In 1962, she married Bill Ballard in Yakima, Wash. They had six children. Bill and their youngest daughter, Julie, were killed in a car accident in 1973. Kathryn then moved to Blanchard with her children in 1974. They attended school in Priest River.

She is survived by five children, Bill Ballard (and Bev), Sam Ballard (and Sharon), Vickie Brown, Bob Ballard (and Doreen), Dennis Ballard (and Gail). All the children reside in the Coeur d'Alene area. Kathryn leaves behind 28 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her mother, Oma of Spokane; brothers, Larry and Vern McTaggart of Montana; and sisters, Karen (and Tom) and Betty of Spokane.

In 1992, Kathryn married Burt Whitney of Coeur d'Alene. She spent the last 19 years hunting and fishing with Burt and camping in their trailer at local lakes and forests. In the 1980s, Kathryn was ordained as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. She spent many years in outreach ministries to others, bringing salvation, healing and comfort to those in need. She was a prayer warrior for Jesus. She will be greatly missed. Memorials in Kathryn's name can be made to the charity of your choice.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011, at the Blanchard Community Church on Highway 41 in Blanchard.

Bell Tower Funeral Home, Post Falls, is in care of the arrangements. Please visit Kathryn's online memorial page at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com.