Kathy High Ellena passed on after a short illness on September 12, 2015 in her home surrounded by family and friends.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee on August 27, 1943 by Thaine and Irene High. Kathy's family shortly thereafter moved to Topeka, Kansas. While in high school Kathy and her sister, Margi helped their parents build a vacation cabin in the Rocky Mountains at Bailey, Colorado. Kathy's many talents while in high school included Honor Rep Club Council, Future Teachers Association and was chosen as the Betty Crocker Future Homemaker of Tomorrow.

From the time Kathy entered high school, her nickname was "Mama High" as she was the go-to girl who counseled and advised her friends and fellow students. Upon completion of high school, Kathy with her giving and caring nature chose nursing as a career. After completion of her training at Stormont-Vail School of Nursing in 1964 moved to California. She held many responsible positions at Crippled Children's Services as case manager, office nursing, neonatal/pediatric nursing and ICU charge nurse.In 1984 she with two other RNs started a nursing company specializing in 24 hour care of pediatric/oncology patients in their home where she served as Director of Nursing Services.
Kathy and her husband, Phil moved to Medford, Oregon in 1990 where she worked in Home Health and Discharge Planning at Rogue Valley Medical Center and developed their discharge planning program introducing the medical staff to the design and implementation.
In 2009 Kathy retired after 45 years devoted to nursing in order to manage and give care to her mother, father and stepmother. As she helped her parents with the end of life she was also given the gift of new life by becoming Grandma to Karen's first child. The biggest thrill of all for Kathy was the birth of her grandson, Devin. Her only grandchild, Kathy showered him with affection and he responded with exuberance and charisma. They had a special bond and will be forever connected.
In retirement Kathy was able to enjoy designing and creating greeting cards that she sold at a local residential facility. She had a difficult time keeping up with demand for the many card topics she completed. It was truly a creative labor of love for her.
Kathy and her husband, Phil were very fortunate to have been able to travel overseas to many countries as well as their "retirement" trip to Australia and New Zealand in 2011. She also had many memorable trips in their motorhome including two 3-1/2 month tours of the USA and Canada. Kathy would always say "I want to have memories, not dreams." In addition to travelling Kathy spent many loving hours developing her gardening skills. She was instrumental in keeping a rare indian peach tree producing peaches for the past 25 years up to the current time. "Happiness grows in Kathy's garden."
Kathy was going to become an active member in the Jackson County Junior League with Karen, her daughter this fall because she believed in their goal of supporting the youth of our valley and ensuring that children get the nutrition they need to succeed. Plus it would have been an outstanding time working on this project - Mom and daughter.
Kathy's life legacy was truly one of giving voluntarily without expecting anything in return. She always strived to be the best wife, mother and grandmother. "Good night sweet princess, we will all see each other again."
We wish to thank all of our family and friends for their support during these very difficult times most especially for our "A-Team" of fellow medical associates that we call "Family" Trudy, Susie, Meghan, June and the Hospice Team.

Kathy is survived by Phil (husband), Karen (daughter), Arthur (son in law), Devin (grandson), Margi (sister) and Greg (brother in law).
In lieu of flowers or gifts please make a small charitable gift to Jackson County Junior League at PO Box ...... Medford, OR 97501. Kathy was passionate about the mission and goals of the Junior League.
A celebration of life will be held in October. Rogue Valley Funeral Alternatives will handle the arrangements.