Kathie Etulain, beloved mother, wife, sister, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025, in Bellingham, Washington. She was 84. She is survived by her husband of 63 years Dan, residing in Sitka; her, son Todd, grandson Aaron, and daughter-in-law Angela of Bellingham; son Troy and daughter-in-law Thea and granddaughters Isarra and Yvoire of Glen Echo, Maryland; and sister Karyn Gray of Ontario, Oregon.
Born January 3, 1941, Kathie was originally from Twin Falls, Idaho, and graduated from Northwest Nazarene College in Nampa in 1962. She later earned a doctorate in curriculum development from the University of Northern Colorado in the early 1970’s, after which she and Dan moved to Sitka to begin working at Sitka Community College and Sheldon Jackson College, respectively.
Kathie spent the rest of her career working at the college, which eventually became the University of Alaska Southeast, rising from faculty member to director in 1998. During her time leading UAS, she oversaw the significant expansion of the Sitka campus’ undergraduate and lifelong learning courses. The KATH-TV station in Juneau is named after her.
After retirement she moved to Bellingham where she joined a local walking group and made several friends. She was very involved in her neighborhood association and was the group’s president for 10 years. She greatly enjoyed all the social events that happened on her block each year.
Kathie loved Cornwall Church and got involved with volunteering. She managed the church’s resource center, where she was a welcoming face and resource for new and existing members as well as opening her home to host a small group.
Kathie loved and excelled at cultivating beautiful gardens around her homes. She enjoyed traveling to visit her sons and their families around the world, and experiencing other cultures. She also loved shopping and expectantly bought her loved ones Christmas presents throughout the year. Kathie was highly regarded for her cooking skills and hosting graces, and never stopped loving a cup of extra hot strong coffee.
Kathie’s funeral will be held 2 p.m. July 5 at Cornwall Church in Bellingham with a reception to follow.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, sacrifice, achievement and inspiration, and will be greatly missed.
