Kathy Jo Walgren Colburn was born on April 2 ^nd , 1956 to Allene and Donald Walgren in Gordon, Nebraska. Kathy lived in Alliance, Hay Springs, and Rushville, Nebraska before moving to Valentine during her sophomore year in 1972. Kathy graduated from Valentine High School in 1974. She married her high school sweetheart, Bill Colburn, in Valentine in 1978.

Kathy was blessed with three children, Lindsey, Lane, and Chelsey. Being a mother was her greatest joy in life.

Kathy worked at the Cherry County Clerk's office for several years before opening her daycare. Kathy was a daycare provider for over 30 years. Working with children was her passion. She held each and every member of "Kathy's Kids" near and dear to her heart.

Kathy was an active member of the Presbyterian Church as a deacon and Sunday School teacher. In the last few years she attended and became a member of the United Methodist Church.

Kathy was diagnosed with ALS in December 2010. She raised over $60,000 fundraising for the ALS Association. She was the top fundraiser for the Mid-America Chapter in 2016.

Kathy loved nature, gardening, traveling, motorcycle trips, working with children, and spending time with her family.

Kathy passed away on December 5 ^th , 2018 at Sumner Place Skilled Nursing Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. She spent the day with her husband, children, and sister, Debra, the day before passing.

Preceding her in death was her father, Donald Walgren and mother, Allene Walgren. She leaves to mourn her loss her husband, Bill Colburn (Valentine, Nebraska); daughter, Lindsey Colburn-Malousek (Overland Park, Kansas); son-in-law, Jason Malousek; grandchildren, Stella and Jude Malousek; son, Lane Colburn (Omaha, Nebraska); daughter-in-law, Megan Colburn; grandchild, Maddie Kenkel; daughter, Chelsey Sevcik (Prairie Village, Kansas); and son-in-law, Andy Sevcik. She also leaves behind her siblings LaDonne Moosman, Debra Hartman, and Mark Walgren, as well as her extended daycare family/Kathy's Kids, and many other family and friends.

A celebration of life for Kathy Colburn age 62 of Valentine will be held on Saturday, Dec. 8 ^th at 10:00 AM at the United Methodist Church in Valentine.  Kathy will be laid to rest at Harmony Cemetery near Valentine.  No visitation will be held.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the ALS Association in Kathy's honor- www.alsa.org/donate .