Kathryn Leigh Gale, 56

Kathryn Leigh Gale, 56, was granted her angel wings on June 5, 2011. Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that Kathy had touched in some way throughout her life.

She was born to O'Neil and Donna (Gordon) Arnson on July 14, 1954, in Williston, N.D. She lived there throughout her childhood until she moved to Renton, Wash., in 1968 with her stepfather Arnie Bakken, her mother, sister and three brothers.

Kathy married David Huff and had two children, Tina and Shawn. Her life was her family and her interests consisted of gardening, quilting, camping, cooking and martial arts. She earned her black belt and then began to teach womens self-defense and young children from ages 2 and up.

In 1994, she moved to Post Falls where she started a Karate school. She lived there happily for 17 years with her soul mate Robin Gale. They were married April 17, 2002, in California.

Kathy was an inspiration to everyone and always had a witty comment that put a smile on your face. She was caring, strong-willed, courageous and a fighter through years of medical problems. Kathy never let her illness take charge of her life and she enjoyed every day as if it were her last.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Robin; daughter and fiancé, Tina and Wayne; son and spouse, Shawn and Maureen; granddaughters, Alison, Tylene and Taylor; four brothers, Paul, Dan, Tom and Kelly Arnson; one sister, Cindi Mersman; nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her father, mother, grandparents and a half sister.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 11, 2011, at English Funeral Chapel, 1700 N. Spokane St., Post Falls.

Contributions may be sent to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.