Patricia Jeanne “Pat” Kempf

July 30, 1928 – October 6, 2022

Patricia “Pat” Kempf passed into the next life on Thursday, October 6, 2022, in her home surrounded by her family. She is survived by children Paul (Anita) Kempf, Joe (Diane) Kempf, Kathryn Kempf, Julie Kempf, Sharon (Gunnar) Rathje, and John (Jana) Kempf; her grandchildren Zac, Russell, Heather, Windy, Brandi, Brandon, Josh, Dylan, Breanne, Lorna, and Miles; and six great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Frank Kempf, and her daughter Diane Kempf.

Pat was born in Silverton, Oregon on July 30, 1928, to John and Irene McCullough as the youngest of their four children. She told stories of watching Silverton Red Sox baseball with her brother Bob, who was the bat boy for the team. After church, her mother made Sunday breakfast for some of the baseball players, including pro-baseball legend, Johnny Pesky. This is where Pat’s love of baseball began. She was a lifelong Seattle Mariners fan of epic proportions. She was thrilled the Mariners made it to the playoffs…Go M’s!

Pat’s best friend growing up was Betty Martin and Betty had a cousin named Frank Kempf. Pat remembered Frank playing in the front yard with her brothers when they were children. After high school, Pat and Betty moved to Portland, Oregon to work. This is where Pat was reunited with Frank. They married in 1955 and moved to Richland, Washington the following year to begin their great adventure.

Pat remained a devout Catholic throughout her life. She and Frank had 7 children together. She was an incredible Mother to her children. She cared for her children’s friends as well and had a way of making everyone feel like they were one of the family. She was an excellent cook and took pride in growing and tending to her rose garden. She entered and won several contests for her roses over the years. She loved to pray the Rosary and prayed for her family and friends daily.

She taught us how to love, the importance of family and faith, and the value of a job well done. She was always there with a gentle hug, a kind word, and genuine smile. She had a special way of making things better. Words cannot express the depth of gratitude we all feel for having her as our Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, and Friend. Although we will miss her immeasurably, there is comfort in the belief that she has been reunited with her loved ones and is peacefully watching over those of us who remain in this life.

The Funeral Mass will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church on Friday, October 14, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. with graveside services and reception following at Einan’s Sunset Gardens. The viewing will be held on Thursday, October 13, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. at Einan’s Sunset Gardens, with the Rosary following at 7:00 p.m.