Kathryn M. Mathison

THE LIFE OF KAY – “CHILD OF GOD”


January 27, 1937 ~ February 4, 2014

KATHRYN MAURINE MATHISON was born on January 27, 1937 to Edwin and Agnes Sailer.  She grew up in both Stanton and Hazen, North Dakota.  Following her High School graduation she entered Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota where she graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1959.  It was at Concordia that she met the love of her life, Dick.  They were married in 1958 at Kay’s home church, Trinity Lutheran in Bismarck, North Dakota.  She taught Jr. High in Minneapolis, Minnesota while Dick was attending Luther Seminary in St. Paul.  She and Dick celebrated 55 years of marriage on December 28, 2013.  Following Dick’s ordination in 1961, their first son, Steve was born.  Their first parish was in Hogeland/Turner, Montana.  Their second son, Jon was born in 1965.  Kay used her musical talents in directing choirs and teaching piano to young students.  In 1966 they moved to their second parish in Redmond, Oregon.  In 1973 they moved to their third parish in Spokane Washington, where Dick served as pastor for 12 years.  During that time Kay took a position in sales with New York Life Insurance, and later joined People to People International where she worked with professionals, setting up and sending out delegations all over the world.  In 1985, they moved to their fourth parish in Tustin, California.  During that time Kay took on a new challenge, getting her California Real Estate License.  She worked with her broker and friend, Donna Sutton, who trained her well.  When Dick and Kay moved to their fifth parish in Fresno, California, Kay continued selling real estate with the slogan, “What a difference Kay makes!” She built a reputation for honesty, integrity and professionalism, along with her warm and caring personality.  Dick and Kay both retired at the beginning of 1997, with the intent of seeing all of the lower 48 states.  They were able to accomplish this using their 36 foot Safari Motor home.  They also saw much of Canada.  A year after retirement Dick and Kay purchased a home in Oregon, one of their favorite states.  They spent their summers in Sunriver, and wintered in the Palm Springs area of Southern California.  They purchased a beautiful lot on the golf course at Outdoor Resorts in Indio.  For many winters they enjoyed the outdoor lifestyle and thousands of miles of travel in their motor home.  When Bishop Murray Fink put Dick back to work with three interim ministries, they were able to move their home on wheels to where God called them.  Kay wanted a larger motor home or a winter home in the desert.  In 2008 using Kay’s real estate skills, they purchased a new home at Shadow Hills in Indio.  Kay did the interior decorating.  Everything she touched had her mark of expertise.  But more importantly, Kay was a people person who made it her vocation to build friendships.  Dick and Kay enjoyed traveling to Japan, Spain, Hawaii and went on many cruises to the Mexican Rivera and the Caribbean Islands.  They also enjoyed their time share in Mazatlan.  During their travels Dick and Kay not only appreciated God’s beautiful creation, but also built many lasting friendships.

Kay had a radiant spirit.  Everyone loved her!  She never complained about her health issues, but made the best of every day.  In the last 10 years of her life, Kay battled a blood disorder, Myelodysplasic Syndrome.  This necessitated many rounds of chemo and blood transfusions.  She was blessed with excellent oncologists and other doctors in both California and Oregon.  Throughout her life, Kay was a “regular” blood donor, helping many others.  That changed with MDS, and Kay was then on the receiving end.  Still she was always things of others and their needs, even while being in treatment at the Desert Cancer Center and the St. Charles Cancer Center.


Kay is survived by her husband Dick, their two sons, Steve (and his wife Houda), Jon (and his wife Lynda) their two grandchildren, Kevin and Lauren, Kay’s sister in law, Betty Sailer, Dick’s two sisters, Marilyn Hoveland, Rose Ann Lundborg, brother-in-law, Don Anderson, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

It was Kay’s desire that any memorial gifts be given to help God’s hurting children.  Gifts may be made to:


Coachella Valley Rescue Mission / P.O. Box 10660 Indio, CA  92202  or


Salvation Army  c/o Lt. Sean Kelsey / 30400 Landau Blvd. Cathedral City, CA  92234

Please make sure and write “In memory of Kay Mathison” on your gift.

So many people come into our lives, then leave the way they came.  But there are those “precious few”, who touch our hearts so deeply we will never be the same.  Kay was one of those unforgettable people!  Her life and her death are a testimony to the God she loved and served.  She would not want us to idealize her.  She would like us to give God the credit for everything. SOLO DEO GLORIA (to GOD BE THE GLORY).

The Celebrations of Life for Kay will be on:

Saturday, March 15th at 11 AM at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 42695 Washington Street, Palm Desert, CA  92211   

AND on Saturday, May 10th at 11 AM at Sunriver Christian Fellowship, 18134 Cottonwood Road, Sunriver, OR  97707

Home from the earthly journey, safe for eternity; All that the Savior promised – That is what heaven will be.