Katherine Hagbo

Katherine “Kathy” Hagbo passed away on the morning of May 7, 2021, at her home in Ellensburg, after a year of battling pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by friends and family.

Kathy was born in Iowa City, Iowa, and spent her early childhood in the midwest. She was the oldest of four siblings and given the nickname “The Chugger” by her father — she continued to stay busy throughout her life.

In grade school, Kathy’s family moved to Lakewood, WA. In her youth, Kathy enjoyed tennis, drill team, riding horses, and water skiing. Above all, she enjoyed social activities and has always kept up with many friends. Kathy attended PLU and finished her psychology degree at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.

Kathy met and married Brian Hagbo in 1985, and they were married for 25 years. She found great purpose and joy in her life as a mother, raising her two children, Rachel and Taylor. Among her many jobs, Kathy ran a home daycare when her children were small. She was gracious and hospitable to all who entered her home.

The Hagbo family moved to Ellensburg in 1996, and Kathy quickly connected with others in the community. It was clear that Kathy took great interest in others, and she made you feel important when talking to her. Kathy made friends wherever she went, and somehow managed to maintain many of these relationships throughout the years.

The most important things to Kathy were her family, her friends, and her faith. People often described Kathy as generous, sweet, caring, and fun.

Kathy is survived by her daughter’s family: Rachel and Patrick Garmong, and grandsons Grady and Beau. She is also survived by her son’s family: Taylor and Sadie Hagbo, and granddaughter Trudy.

Memorial contributions in Kathy’s honor are suggested to The Gretchen Weller Foundation, PO Box 1762, Ellensburg, WA 98926.

A memorial service is being planned for the end of June. For information on the service, please email kathyhagbomemorial@gmail.com

Johnston & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Ellensburg has been entrusted with caring for Kathy’s family.  Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com