RAPID CITY | Kathleen "Kathy" Walker, 61, died Friday, May 5, 2017.

Life on this earth is too short, especially when it is interrupted by the loss of a loved one. And we all loved Kathy. A daughter to be proud of, a "big" sister, a dedicated wife, cherished lover, devoted mother and the best friend a person could ask for. Kathy lived her life fully, emotionally and tried her best to appreciate every moment.

Kathleen touched countless lives through her years as an engaging teacher. Her students learned many lessons from her, but most importantly they learned that they mattered. "Catalina" was very involved in the world of horses. She grew up with them in her home state of Michigan, spending summers riding and playing with her sisters in the woods near their home on the lake. That love for horses continued when she moved to South Dakota, raising quality horses (and children!), with good manners and strong spirits. Always a talented sketch artist, "Kat" also loved music, often singing and dancing around her ranch home to classic rock and roll. In recent years she taught herself to play the banjo, loving the folk songs of Bluegrass. This girl wasn't still for long! We all admired her talents, appreciated her determination and loved her generous, kind spirit. Kathy may have lost her battle with cancer, but she won our hearts.

Kathy is survived by three loving sisters and one brother: Kimberley Cooley, Kristina Walker, Kari Dumbeck, and Joe Walker. All cherish the memories of growing up with their older sister. The father of her children, Anthony Simpson and their children: Drew Simpson and Brittany McSweaney. Her constant, loving soulmate of recent years, Frank Schwagel will miss her physical presence every moment, but knows he will feel her spirit, as will all of us. We are thankful for the gift of knowing she is no longer in pain and is rejoicing in Heaven with her Savior Jesus and loved ones that have gone before.

A Celebration of her Life is planned for 3 p.m. to… whenever, Sunday, May 7, at her Prairie Bend Ranch (15260 Bend Road, in Box Elder). Everyone welcome.

Her online guestbook is available to sign at the Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home website.