Kathleen Kay Halvorson, 78, of Polson, Montana, passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, June 23, 2022.
She was born on February 9, 1944 in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Howard and Nancy Earl. They moved to Edgewater, Colorado where Howard and Nancy bought their house and lived for the rest of their lives. Kathy completed her education at Edgewater public schools and Jefferson High School. While in High School she was very active and really enjoyed being a majorette.
In 1967, she married Charles Cay Runyan. In their college years they lived in Boulder, Colorado; Pasadena, California; and Birmingham, Alabama. While in Pasadena she gave birth to Benjamin Earl Runyan. They moved back to Colorado and then up to Juneau, Alaska. While in Juneau, she steadily worked her way up to more and more responsibility within the City and Borough of Juneau and became the Chief Purchasing Officer for the city until she retired.
On July 20, 1995 she married her second husband, Derwin Halvorson. They retired in 1999 and built their dream home in Hot Springs, Montana.
She and Derwin enjoyed exploring new places across the southwest and meeting new people. She loved exploring small towns and markets, always looking for "good deals," colorful treasures, and gifts for her loved ones. She also enjoyed visiting friends and family, including the Halvorsons, Runyans, Junges, Wilsons, Earls, and Meuniers.
A loving wife and mother, she loved taking care of her friends, family and four-legged friends. She enjoyed entertaining, cooking extravagant amounts of food, and extensive decorations for the holidays (including the 43 Christmas Bears).
Survivors include her husband, Derwin, Polson; her son and family, Ben and Leanne Runyan, San Jose; her surrogate son and daughter, Brad (Torri) Junge and Alycia (Pon) Saopraseuth; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jimmy and Wendy Halvorson, and nieces Megan and Caity.
There will be a memorial to celebrate her life at the end of the summer in Colorado and the family will be reaching out to invite family and friends.