Kathleen Elizabeth (Whaley) Ressler, 72, went home peacefully to the good Lord after a long battle with several health conditions, with her daughter by her side, on March 2, 2022.
Kathy was born to Henry (Hank) Whaley and Evelyn (Wykes) Whaley at the Swedish Hospital in Seattle, WA on June 17, 1949. She was the middle child of 2 siblings, Patrick Whaley and Terri (Whaley) Forte. She grew up on Mercer Island/Bainbridge Island where she enjoyed many years at the family’s cabin. She graduated from Mercer Island High School in 1968. Kathy went on to attend Business College for one year. In 1981, she welcomed her only child and daughter Shyla Ressler into the world and went on to marry the love of her life Farrell Ressler, April 1985, in Puyallup, WA. In 1990, the family moved to Anaconda, MT where Kathy loved going on rides in the mountains, seeing wildlife and she also enjoyed swimming in her earlier years. Kathy had numerous jobs throughout her life. She worked at Dwyer Intermediate supervising the students in the lunchroom and at recess which she enjoyed being the lunch lady. She also worked at Fairmont Hot Springs as a housekeeper. Kathy’s last job was at Aware Inc. as a Treatment Service Technician in a group home caring for adolescents for 8 years, retiring early at 62. She was a hard worker with compassion for children, the best mother, wife, and friend to many.
Kathy appreciated the simple things in life and always put others before herself. She loved to tell jokes and laugh with the people she cared about. She loved unconditionally and had a heart of gold. She loved animals, especially her fur babies Baby Girl, Shadow and Chief that she adored and loved so much and always spoiled them tremendously. Kathy had an infectious smile and was a kind soul who will be missed dearly by many.
She is survived by her daughter Shyla Ressler; brother Pat (Ellen) Whaley; step-siblings Tom and Cheri Colby; stepdaughters Lila Budnick and Lori (Jack) Schrader; brother-in-law Greg Forte; brother-in-law Gene Ressler; brother-in-law Bernie (Pam) McArdle; nieces and nephews Renee (Jason) Peck, Sean Whaley, Danny Forte, Maria Forte, Lisa (Rex) Rodin, Natalie McArdle-Cummings, Brian and Kevin (Pat) Ressler; numerous cousins, great-nieces /great-nephews; and many close friends that she loved beyond measure; also the staff at Anaconda Community Nursing Home where she resided for almost four years who became like family and cared for her with love until her passing.
Kathy was preceded in death by her father Hank Whaley, mother Evelyn and step-father Tom Colby; her little sister Terry (Whaley) Forte; husband Farrell Ressler; sister-in-law Linda (Ressler) McArdle; sister-in-law Rosemary Ressler; stepson Thomas (Tommy) Ressler; and niece Marcia (Ressler) Chappel.
Per Kathleen’s request, no services will be held.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Kathleen.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Kathleen and her family.
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Bill says
Shyla, sorry you lost your mom. My condolences.
Monica says
Kathy was kind and would do anything for anyone. The love we had together was Priceless. She was a great worker and a loving friend. Rest in peace my friend.
DIANE SEIBOLD says
Gone too soon my old friend. You were a wonderfully, fun loving and compassionate person. We lost so many years before we reconnected again a few years ago. I’ll always remember fondly taking Keitho to The Golden Steer to help him come out! And watching you trip up the streets of Capital Hill, litterly. Rest in peace, finally knowing I will keep an eye on Shyla and help when I can. Love.
Lori Schrader says
Kathy was the best step mom. She was always so thoughtful especially never ever forgetting to send me a corny birthday card.She always tried to make people laugh. She didn’t ask for much and tolerated plenty.
I will always love her kind heart and huge smile.
Rest easy Kathy. Love Lori Schrader