Katherine Genell Himelhoch

way peacefully at home December 5th in Lincoln, CA. She was born March 9, 1936 in Salinas, CA and graduated from Salinas Union High School in 1954, and San Jose State in 1958, with a degree in Education. She received a Masters Degree in Administration from LaVerne University in 1978. She is survived by Louis Himelhoch, her beloved husband and friend of 48 years, daughter and son-in-law Sherri and Tod Kimmelshue and daughter Cyndi Bailey, all of Chico, CA. She leaves five grandchildren, Kirk, Chad, Michelle, Matthew and Bradley, all of whom she adored. She is survived by sister Charlotte McCleerey of Mission Viejo, CA and sister and brother-in-law Marlene and Keith Perkins, of Paradise, CA. Katherine was a longtime educator, dedicated to the many students who crossed her path. She began her education career as a kindergarten teacher and spent several years as a reading specialist in Fremont Unified School District where she ultimately became principal of Grimmer Elementary and then Wiebel Elementary. She spent many of her teaching years enjoying the special bond of her lifelong Chicken Army" friends. She left Fremont to become the Superintendent of Schools in Byron, California where she and Lou enjoyed life on the Delta. They spent much of their time boating with great friends, including the Paddling and Sipping Society. After 30 years in education, she retired and they moved from boating to traveling the country in their RV where they spent months wintering in warm weather locations.In 1999, they left the Delta to move to a new home in Lincoln, CA, where they enjoyed the many activities of Lincoln Hills. Kathy pursued her love of sewing and quilting and served as President of the Needle Arts Group. She spent many hours in front of her embroidery machine creating masterpieces for her family. She started the Lincoln Hills Sunshine Group as her caring for others was unending. She will be dearly missed by all whose lives she touched.A private family internment will be held in Chico, CA. Family and friends are invited to share in a Celebration of Life on Friday, December 17 at 12:00 noon at the Orchard Creek Lodge at Sun City, Lincoln Hills. Donations can be made to Vitas Innovative Hospice Care, 3841 N. Freeway Blvd. Suite 210, Sacramento, CA 95834