Kathryn “Kate” Ellen McHenry passed away peacefully on February 6, 2024.
Kate was born December 19, 1951, in Ross, Marin County, California to Patrick Arthur McHenry and Jean Hamilton Nagel. She was the youngest child and only girl. In Kate’s early years, she lived in Sutter Creek, California, and was baptized at the Immaculate Conception Church in Sutter Creek on March 10, 1952. The family then moved to Sonora, California into a home on Shaw’s Flat where she attended Columbia Elementary. Kate was Homecoming Queen at Sonora High School and graduated in June 1970.
After graduation, Kate attended Sacramento State, earning a bachelor's degree in physical education. She remained active in individual sports most of her life, including fencing and marathon running. Upon graduation, Kate moved to Colorado where she met and married Samuel Wade Hammond in 1979, in Sonora. While in Colorado, Kate began her lifelong public service as an Administrative Clerk for the Colorado State government.
Kate and Wade separated in 1981, which ultimately ended in divorce. During this time, Kate enlisted in the Army and graduated from the Army Officer Candidate School beginning her career in the Army National Guard. In 1985, she married Robert Daniel Fulkerson who was also an officer with the National Guard. They divorced in 1994. Kate served as an officer for nearly 30 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel on March 31, 2010. During her career, she served in Texas, Tennessee, Missouri, and Virginia. After her many years of public service, Kate became an instructor at Defense Acquisition University, passing on her deep experience.
Kate loved cooking. As a young adult, she had a little business making artisan breads. Whether eating solo or with friends, she enjoyed fine dining. Kate found joy in bright, colorful flowers and always tried to have some around her.
Kate is predeceased by her father Patrick A McHenry and mother Jeal Nagel McHenry, and her brother Thomas P McHenry. She is survived by her brother, Michael McHenry; nieces Alexzandria Stevens, Joelle Blanchard, and Gwendalyn McHenry; nephews Sean McHenry and Gregory McHenry; and many grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2024, from 9:00 - 10:00 am with a Rosary at 10:00 am at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, Utah. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 300 East 11800 South, Draper, Utah. A burial with full military honors will take place at a later date at the Arlington National Cemetery.
Those wishing to view the funeral service can follow the link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nFGVee2sR_E
Kate was indeed a gem! I met her while working for the National Guard and we became friends. We had some great dinners together and were always comparing/sharing recipes and books (she had the best book collection). Kate, you will be in mine and Leo's rosary intentions. May you have peace and comfort with the Lord.
Kate was a lovely person and such fun to be around. She is greatly missed. My deepest sympathy for her family.
When I met Kate, we instantly became friends through our love of books. Our friendship grew and she became family to me. We took several trips together and would spend the entire time laughing. And eating, because Kate was an amazing cook, of course! Those were some of my most favorite times. I miss her every day. Love you, Kate.