Kathryn La Nora (Nicoson) Low

Kathryn Nicoson Low

September 4, 1931 – February 25, 2023

     Kathryn was born to Arthur and Beulah (McCamish) Nicoson on September 4, 1931, at a midwife’s home in Pasco, Washington.  Kathryn’s parents brought her home to a wheat ranch south of Kennewick, Washington in the Horse Heaven Hills.  Thirteen months later little sister, Vera, joined the family.

Kathryn and Vera were 10 and 9 when they began cooking for the harvest crew because their mother had to go to the fields.  It was good training.  They both became excellent cooks.  The following year Kathryn had to begin working in the wheat harvest.

Kathryn attended Kennewick High School and earned a letterman’s sweater, although, we think this was the only time she may have been athletic.  It’s also where she met a new classmate, Ralph Low.  In July 1948, following their junior year, they eloped to Sandpoint, Idaho.  This union lasted 55 years until Ralph’s passing in 2003.

Kathryn and Ralph moved to the cattle ranch south of Pilot Rock on January 1, 1949.  Kathryn’s father had purchased the ranch in 1946 and asked Ralph if he wanted to learn the cattle business.  Eventually, Katie (Oregonians call her Katie) and Ralph became the owners of the “83” Ranch.  Of course, in their younger days Katie not only raised three kids, but was often found working on the ranch when needed.

Katie was, also like many moms, involved with her children, becoming Room Mother many times, Bluebird and Campfire leader, and was always at her son’s games cheering him on.  Katie also gave time to many, many Christmas Cotillions, eventually becoming a co-Chair, serving the cancer fund.   Katie was also a member and/or held offices in the local school board, sorority, Cattlewomen’s organization and others for many years.

But most of all, Katie is probably known for her artistic ability and her cooking skills.  She enjoyed and was proficient at painting, needlework, and many other creative talents.  Katie changed her theme every year for Christmas and then spent all year creating and making all the decorations which was enjoyed by family and friends.

Katie compiled her recipes and published a cookbook.  She was widely known as an extraordinary chef.

Katie has been a wonderful wife and mother.  We cannot repay her for all the happiness she shared with all of us.  Katie was usually the quiet one in the crowd, but she will be so missed by all who knew her.

Katie is preceded in death by her husband, Ralph; daughter Audrey Low Widner; son-in-law, Allen McCall; and two grand-daughters, Dawn Widner Harvey and Misty Widner Fortner.

Katie is survived by sister, Vera Wilkerson Berry; and sister-in-law, Juanita Low Antonson.  Katie is also survived by son-in-law, Kenny Widner; daughter, Connie McCall; son, Wayne (Mary Ann) Low all of Pilot Rock.  Her surviving grandchildren are Jim Fortner, Justin Harvey, Kathy (Jim) Kinkead, Jamie (Alissa) McCall, Katie (John Campbell) McCall, Kenna (Chris) Wallace, Kenny (Gressa) Widner, Richard (Kim) Low, and Tim (Jackie) Low.  Katie has 20 great-grandchildren and 20 great-great grandchildren.  Katie cherished all her family.

A graveside service will be at 1:30 P.M. on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at the Pilot Rock Cemetery.  A catered reception will follow at the White Eagle Grange, 43828 White Eagle Rd., Pendleton, Oregon.