In Memory

Katherine Steen (McKinley)

Katherine Steen (McKinley)

OBITUARIES
Katherine Elizabeth McKinley
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Katherine Elizabeth McKinley was born April 5, 1942 (Easter Sunday) to Donald and Patricia Steen. She moved to many different places as her father’s job required it. Kate went to Cal Poly SLO and studied electronic engineering. She married Ken McKinley in 1964. In 1971 she struck out on her own and ended up working for USPS in San Jose, CA. She started as a clerk, then mail processing mechanic, then electronic tech, then superintendent of mechanics and techs. She was the first woman to take and pass the electronic tech test for USPS. While still working at USPS in San Jose, she began construction of a geodesic dome house in Amador County, working on it on weekends. It was completed in 1987. It was dubbed “the house that women built” because her work crews were almost completely female.

Kate retired from USPS in 1992 and moved to the dome in 1997. In 1998 she was joined by her longtime friend, Harford Gillaspie, and for the next 18 years they had a wonderful life together. Kate started bowling when she was 15, and bowled every chance she got. After a few years in Amador County, she went to work part time for Gold Country Lanes and met many of the wonderful people in the area. She is predeceased by both parents and her brother. She was very touched by the love and friendship shown by so many during her illness.

Copyright © 2016 Amador Ledger Dispatch



 
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04/28/16 07:43 PM #1    

Patricia Van Dell (Van Dell-Stratton)

Ah, dear Kate.  You were unique.  Sure do miss you.


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