Kathy Crader

Katherine “Kathy” (Thompson) Crader, 58, of Union, was called home October 10, 2025, at Saint Alphonsus Hospital in Boise, Idaho. A Memorial Service will be held on November 8, 2025 at 11 A.M. at the Eastern Oregon Livestock Show Clubhouse in Union, OR. 

Kathy was born at Grande Ronde Hospital in La Grande, Oregon on February 24, 1967, to Steve and Bobby Thompson.

She was raised in La Grande and attended the La Grande schools. She graduated in 1985.

Kathy met Vernon Crader at an event in the mountains. They married on July 1, 1989, at Methodist Church in Elgin, OR. Together they had 2 boys, Steven and Brian.

In her early years,  Kathy started waitressing and later became a care provider (she took great pride in caring for the elderly). Later she began working in the Albertsons bakery. In 1998, she went to work for Northwood Manufacturing, where she continued working until the time of her death.

Until 1995, Kathy called La Grande home. After which, she and her husband bought their first home in Union. She called Union home since that time.

At a very young age, Kathy found love in horses and continued that love for many years in her life. She participated in the high school rodeo club. This led to her being crowned queen of the Blue Mountain Rodeo and princess of the 1984 Elgin Stampede.

Kathy loved spending time in the mountains with family and friends. Whether it was just going for a drive or riding ATVs, hunting (especially when she outdid her hunting partners), fishing, or picking huckleberries or mushrooms. She adored taking pictures of wildlife, scenery, and sunsets. She also enjoyed crocheting blankets for family and friends, including providing some for fundraisers. She cherished watching wildlife and always made sure her bird seed and hummingbird feeders were full and finding pretty rocks to add to her garden.

Kathy loved supporting her boys in everything they were involved with growing up. She helped coach Little League and was a 4-H leader with her great friend Melissa. She especially loved becoming a Grammy and spending time with and supporting her grandchildren which she loved very much.

Kathy had a strong love for all her pets past and present. With her most recent, Lilly.

She was preceded in death by her brother Shane Thompson; grandparents Jim and Izzy Morgan, Ralph and Jane Thompson; Aunt Alberta Phillips; Uncle Harold and Aunt Darlene Thompson; Uncle Mick Dougharity; Father and Mother-in-laws Bud and Mary Crader; Sister-in-law Debbie Crisp.

Kathy is survived by her parent Steve and Bobby Thompson of Elgin, OR; husband Vernon Crader of Union, OR; children Steven Crader of Eugene, OR and Brian Crader (Julie) of Union, OR; and grandchildren Charlotte, Hudson, Josephine, Elaine, and Clark; Brother Steve Thompson (Clell) of La Grande, OR; Aunt Charlotte Dougharity of Mount Vernon, OR; Uncle Ralph Thompson of Hermiston, OR; Uncle Neal Thompson (Debbie) of Pendelton, OR; Uncle Jim Bennett (Jo) of Yakima, WA; Sister-in-laws Anita(Ken) of Pendleton, OR; Denise of Bremerton, WA; and Leann (Mike) of La Grande, OR; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com