Kathy Atkins Craft

Kathleen (Atkins) Craft, January 11, 1942 – May 29th, 2026. It's not the bookends of one's life that matter in the end, but how they lived between those two dates. It's the “dash” that counts. Kathy’s “dash” was marked by faith, love, service, perseverance, and devotion to God and family. Born in Oroville, California, Kathy lived throughout Northern California, Idaho, and Washington raising her children and working in a variety of fields from food service director at Leoni Meadows camp and retreat center to office manager in several dental offices and private schools before eventually retiring to Florida in 2015 with her late husband Marty. Kathy found great joy in spending time with her immediate and extended family, volunteering at church, tending to her beautiful gardens, cooking delicious meals, and caring for her beloved teacup poodle, Annie, who brought her much companionship and happiness. Wherever life led her, she always created a warm and welcoming home, touching the lives of many through her kind and gentle spirit. Kathy was a woman marked by deep faith and trust in God. Throughout decades of physical pain and health challenges, she found comfort and hope in her personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This enabled her to face life’s challenges with courage and a steadfast trust in the Lord. Her favorite hymn, “It Is Well with My Soul,” reflects the peace and assurance she carried in her heart. The promises of Proverbs 3:5–6 and the comforting words of Psalm 139 were also dear to her throughout her life. The most important part is the “dash,” and having faithfully run her race, Kathy went to sleep in Jesus on May 29th, 2026 to await the soon coming resurrection day when she will hear the voice of her Savior calling her to everlasting life. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, love, strength, and devotion that will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her. Kathy will be dearly missed by her three daughters: Debbie Craft, Kelly Veilleux, and Kim Bryan (and husband Don). Her three grandchildren: Daniel Craft, Jessica Bryan and Brittni Brown (and husband Michael). As well as her remaining brother, Robert “Bob” Atkins, and many nieces and nephews. Though quiet and gentle in spirit, her influence made a lasting impact on her large and loving family. While our hearts grieve her absence, we are deeply thankful for the blessed hope we have in Jesus. We rejoice in knowing that Christ is coming soon, and we look forward to the promised day when we will see Kathy again in heaven. What a glorious day that will be! A graveside service will be held at a later date in the beautiful pioneer cemetery in Nimshew, California.