Kathleen Koch Beyett, 94, formerly of Beeville, Texas and Oak Harbor, died Jan. 17, 2009, in Bellingham at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, where she had lived for the past year.

She was born on April 14, 1914, at Saratoga, Texas, to Ralph Allen Koch and Nell Hill Koch. She was a granddaughter of George Washington Hill, M.d., and Belle Walker Hill.

She graduated from Holding Institute, a boarding high school, formerly located at Laredo, Texas. She attended Sal Ross State University at Alpine, Texas ,for two years.

Kathleen married George Hawes Beyett on Jan. 7, 1936, at Conroe, Texas, and his career in the U.S. Navy soon took them on a life of travel together and later with their daughter.

After George’s retirement from the U.S. Navy, he and Kathleen eventually moved to Kodiak, Alaska, where she worked as a librarian and retired from National Marine Fisheries in 1981.

As a youth, she joined the First Christian Church in Texas. In Bellingham, she attended Central Lutheran Church.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her husband; her sister Alice Zimmer; and her nephew Ralph Zimmer.

She is survived by her daughter Kathleen (George) Keegahn; grandson Seth; granddaughters Leah (Jon), Felice (Richard) and her devoted feline companions.

A private family service was held.

The family thanks: the staff of Fairhaven Estates Assisted Living for their loving care of Kathleen, the kind, patient stylists at Lakeway Great Clips and Whatcom Hospice.

You may share your thoughts and memories of Kathleen in the online memorial guest book at www.molesfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements by Moles Family Funeral Homes, Bayview Chapel.