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Kathy was the eldest child of Fair and Charles "Chuck" Phipps of The Dalles, Oregon. Born on March 4, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois, she grew up in The Dalles, was a member of the high school National Honor Society and Homecoming Queen. She spent summers filled always with friends and family at her family's summer cottage on the beach in Neskowin, Oregon.
She married Allen Michael "Mike" Hillis in 1966, and lived in Bend, Oregon, where they reared their two children, Heidi and Greg. She married J. Roger Wood in 2005 and became step mother to Roger's children Heather, Whitney and Derrick. She graduated from the University of Oregon in 1966 with a BA in French and was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority where she made life-long friendships.
Kathy met the love of her life, Roger Wood, 1997, and they were married in 2005. After retiring from Wells Fargo Bank and moving to Orinda, Kathy assumed perhaps her favorite role: that of grandmother to her seven grandchildren from her two children and Roger's three children. Whether Kathy was going to the farmer's market or to a glamorous evening party, she always looked beautiful. With a strong sense of self, unwavering confidence and a gracious caring, she nurtured many friendships in Oregon, Utah and California.
Kathy is survived by her husband Roger, her sister Gayle Meredith (Ralph), her two children, Heidi Hillis-Koerber (Damien), Greg Hillis, and three step-children, Heather Wall (Tyler), Whitney Wood and Derrick Wood (Kirsten). And her much-loved grandchildren: Max, Sam, Ashley, Parker, Luke, Connor, and Sadie.
Our family wishes to thank our dear friends who have provided food, love and support. A Celebration of Life was held in Orinda, California March 31st.
Reach the reporter at:
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA