Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Nature lover, world traveler and extremely competitive game player, Katherine Ketchum Dauenhauer passed away quietly in her sleep May 7, 2026, in Ajijic, Mexico at the age of 85.
Katherine grew up on a ranch in The Dalles, Oregon, with no electricity or indoor plumbing until she was 7 years old. Her childhood was spent taking care of baby lambs, learning to sew, walking in the wildflowers and talking on the 9-party phone line to her best friend Nanette. She attended college at Oregon State University, graduating in home economics. After graduation she moved to New York for her career as a flight attendant, starting her love of travel. She married Paul Dauenhauer in 1969 who also loved to travel — before and after the birth of their two children.
Katherine loved to chat, had a wonderful laugh and enjoyed a good game of cards. She spent hours in nature feeding her soul, gardening and walking. She was stylish and loved shopping at St. Vinny’s or garage sales for the perfect find. Travel took her on adventures around the world. Her last big adventure took her to Ajijic, Mexico, to assisted living in 2020, due to dementia. Her laughter and joy of life filled this home too until she passed.
She is survived by her daughter Christina Dauenhauer and partner Rayne Walker; her son Jeffery Dauenhauer and partner Jenny Pavey; and her granddaughter Tilly Dauenhauer.
Katherine’s celebration of life will be held at the Mosier Grange Hall on Aug. 8 at 2 p.m.
Columbia Gorge News, July 8, 2026
To plant a tree in memory of Katherine Dauenhauer as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
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