Kathleen Jean (Schmidt) Allen

Born on March 2, 1950, in Pendleton, OR, Kathleen "Kathy" Jean Allen passed away at her home in Burbank, WA, on Christmas Day, 2025.

Kathy was all about joy, warmth, and being there for the people she loved. She will be remembered for her infectious laugh, her artistic talents, and her deep appreciation for life's simple pleasures. Kathy will be missed dearly, but her memory will continue to inspire and bring joy to those who had the privilege to know her. She was "Mom" to so many more than just her own family-she was everyone's favorite sounding board and a safe place to vent.

Kathy started school in Condon, OR, before her family moved to Burbank in 1959 with her family to farm. A 1968 graduate of Columbia Burbank High School, she went on to Columbia Basin College. Though she had a scholarship for photography, she chose a path in Computer Programming, eventually earning a Bachelor's degree from City University.

She met her husband, Floyd, through lifelong friends, and they tied the knot on December 9, 1972, in Reno, NV. Floyd used to joke that it would be a cold day in hell before he got married again-and he got his wish! It was -30°F as they drove through Winnemucca on their way to the wedding. In 1974, they bought their home in Burbank, where they raised their daughter, Victoria, along with Floyd's sons and stayed for the rest of their lives.

Kathy spent 30 years as a dedicated programmer for Benton County PUD before retiring in 2005. Kathy spent many years at the Tri-City, Umatilla, and Yakima raceways supporting Floyd while he raced and flagged. Retirement didn't mean slowing down, though. She and Floyd started bartending at the local Eagles and Moose Lodges, making tons of friends along the way. They loved traveling in their motorhome to car shows, NASCAR races, and spending time with loved ones.

Nothing made her happier than her grandsons and her rescued dogs-who were the stars of her many Facebook posts and backyard adventures. She was also a bit of a mad scientist in the kitchen, always whipping up wild new recipes and incredible desserts. When she wasn't in the kitchen or behind the bar, Kathy was a prolific crafter who loved knitting, painting, and sewing beautiful gifts for her family and friends.

Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd; her parents, Earl and Mary Schmidt; her brother, Wayne Schmidt; and her stepson, Daniel Allen.

She leaves behind her daughter, Victoria Alexander, and her son-in-law, Jason Alexander, who Kathy always loved to banter with. She is also survived by her grandsons (and best friends), Camerin (Stephanie), Brenden, and Skyler. Daughter-in-law, Tricia Allen; and stepsons, Layne (Belin) and Craig (Antonia). Their children; Danielle and Brittany Allen, Angelica and Carmen Allen, Matthew and Emily Allen. She is also survived by her siblings, Jan Schmidt, MaryEllen (Ted) Kienenberger, Maggie Goodwin, Shanna (Dave) Reynolds, Joe (Laura) Schmidt, and John (Gail) Schmidt, along with many nieces and nephews. Special Niece Jeneane Schmidt who always matched her whit and sass.

Per Kathy's wishes, she will be cremated and her ashes will be spread with Floyd's at a later date. We'll be holding a celebration of her life in late April 2026 at her home. She would have wanted nothing more than to see her house and yard full of people, laughter, food, and drinks.

We like to think Kathy and Floyd are looking down, enjoying a full bar and dancing in the sky. To honor Kathy, go do something creative: knit, paint, try a crazy new recipe, or take an "artsy-fartsy" class with someone you love.

Raise a glass, turn up the music, and dance until you can't dance anymore!!!