Caterina "Katie" Sands

Caterina “Katie” Sands, 63 of Klamath Falls, Oregon succumbed to ovarian cancer on Tuesday, February 8, 2011. Katie was born on August 15, 1947 in La Junta, Colorado to Max J. & Emma Maria (Garcia) Sanchez; she was one of ten children. She married Dennis Sands in March of 1978.

Following graduation from high school, she began working in La Junta at the pickle factory. She met Dennis Sands in 1975 while he was stationed at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

They moved to Drain, Oregon in 1978 where Katie worked as a waitress and made pizzas. They later moved to Coos Bay, Oregon in 1983 were she enjoyed caring for her family by being a stay-at-home mom and homemaker. In 1996 they moved to Klamath Falls after Dennis retired they began working together as Camp Hosts for numerous campgrounds, until she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2007, they were the park managers for Emerald Estates Mobile Home Park.  

Katie enjoyed salmon fishing on the coast, camping, reading, and collecting owl figurines. She loved family gatherings and everything in her life centered on her family. She had a great sense of humor and enjoyed making others laugh. She was an active member of the Enlisted Association of the Air National Guard of Oregon Auxiliary.

Katie is survived by her husband Dennis of Klamath Falls, Oregon; daughters Bonita Corona, Emma (Maximilano Franco-Meza) Solis all of Klamath Falls, Oregon; sons John (Michelle George) Solis of Syracuse, New York; Raymond (Stephanie Garza) Solis of Klamath Falls, Oregon; and Stephen (Laura) Sands of Rowlett, Texas; grandchildren Gabby Franco, Kevin Anderson, Bradley Solis, Anthony Solis, Caterina Gile, Lacey Sands, Kazzandra Solis, Jesse Solis, Ariana Lazindic, John Bracken, Jose’ Corona, and John Solis; great-grandchildren Chantelle, Lilliana, and Kyrah; brothers Robert (Lois) Montoya, Gilbert Sanchez all of La Junta, CO; David (Joanna) Sanchez of Denver, CO; Dale (Jacque) Sanchez of Colorado Springs, CO; sister Lucille (Gary Illingsworth) Sena of Colorado Springs, CO; numerous nieces and nephews; and her canine pal Penny, the wonder-dog. She was preceded in death by her parents, and sisters Lydia Buel, Elsie Reynolds, Helen Otero, and Juanita Foster.

Graveside services will be Monday, August 15, 2011, at 1:30 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery with Pastor Jeremy Yoder of the Emmanuel Mennonite Church officiating.

Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.