Kathrine Ann (Thornton) Sawyer, 52, of Ensenada, Mexico passed away on November 30, 2013. She was born on June 16, 1961 in Tonasket, Wash. to Oscar and Elsie Thornton of Oroville, Wash. When she was 19-months-old she went to live and be raised by her Aunt Delores Hogue and Grandmother Augusta Thornton because of the sudden passing of her mother. Even though her Aunt Delores was not her biological mother she was her mom.

Growing up she traveled all over the nation, went to numerous events and loved the outdoors. Everywhere she went she always made friends. At the age of 17 she married Roger Sawyer. For six months he had to sign her notes for school until she graduated Oroville High School in 1979. She then worked at different places such as the apple warehouse, running a candy business, owning a restaurant but the toughest job was raising her three kids.

She was known not only for her beautiful smile and sugar cookies but also opening her heart and home to many people. She was a honorary mom to many local and international kids. She was a representative for a exchange student program and would take kids from all over the world into her home. She started a charm necklace that had over 50 charms on it. She was always there to be supportive to anyone, to give a hug when needed or cry because she could feel your pain. She loved working in her flower garden, cooking incredible meals and spending time with family and friends.

Whatever she was doing she would put her mind, body and soul into it. She was always up for a challenge and never afraid of the unknown. After her divorce in 2007 from Roger Sawyer she worked at WalMart as a checker then in 2011 she moved to Ensenada, Mexico to fulfill her dream of living on a tropical beach. Even though miles away she stayed in contact and loved her family and friends.

She ended up getting sick then passed away after a emergency surgery trying to save her life. She was able to contact and say her goodbyes to her mom, daughter and son.

She was preceded in death by her father (Oscar), mother (Elsie) and daughter (Tara) and survived by mother Delores Hogue of Oroville, daughter Kristina (Ken) Myers of Snoqualmie, daughter Kimberlee (Andy) Gasho of Tonasket, son Andrew (Kayla) Sawyer of Issaquah, brother Jim (Helena) of Oregon City, Oregon, sister Rae Jean (Dan) McPhillips of Boise Id, brother George ( Lee Miller) Thornton of Oroville, sister Lisa (John) Haney of Palo Alto, Ca, step mother Betty Thornton of Tucson,Az, step brother Gary Ritchie of Tonasket, grandchildren: Cameron, Zachary, James, Alyssa, Bentley, Viola and many friends and family.

A remembrance celebration pot luck will be held on February 22 at the Oroville Grange Hall at 1 p.m. This is a opportunity to share stories and great memories. Her wishes were not to cry but laugh and be happy. She is now with her baby girl and someday once again going to welcome everyone with open arms in heaven.

Kathrine Ann (Thornton) Sawyer