Kathlyn McMann Thatcher Vail
September 12, 1935 ~ May 11, 2025
Born in:
Pueblo, Colorado
Resided in:
Pueblo, Colorado
Kathlyn McMann Thatcher Vail was born on September 12, 1935, to John H. “Jack” and Florence “Tory” Fox Thatcher in Pueblo Colorado; passed away on Mother’s Day, May 11, 2025. She married Ralph Edward Vail Jr. on September 19, 1957. Their family included four children: Florence Ann Vail (Gary Schaeffer), Norman Edward (Kathy) Vail, Charles Thatcher (Teresa) Vail, and Patricia Louise Vail (Terry Dunn); five grandchildren: Tory Ann (Dai) Louis, Brittany Elizabeth Vail, Matthew Ralph Vail, William Ralph Louis, and Braxton Charles Vail; one great-grandchild: Dayton Alexander Donley; and step-grandchildren Denise Salonga (Sean); Geoffrey, Douglass, Bradley, and Michael Baker; Shanae Weber; Tyson Garner; and Jillian and Paul Lozanoff. She is survived by her sister, Patricia Thatcher (James) Kenyon, and brother, John H. (Beth) Thatcher, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Kathlyn descended from the prominent Pueblo pioneer family of John A. and Margaret Thatcher (great-grandparents) and John H. and Ethel McMann Thatcher (grandparents). She was a life-long member of the Ascension Episcopal Church. She graduated from Pueblo Central High School and attended Monticello College in Alton, Illinois, and the University of Northern Colorado. Prior to Ralph’s death in 1981, they operated Cloverleaf Dairy in Boone, Colorado. Subsequently, she was employed by School District 70 for many years as a Teacher’s Aide at South Mesa Elementary School. Throughout her life she was devoted to several community service organizations including McClelland Children’s Home; Pueblo Girl Scouts, Parkview Hospital Blue Lady volunteers, Cooperative Care Center, Share Colorado, CASA, Rosemount Women’s Auxiliary, and Meals on Wheels. She served for more than 35 years as the President, Vice President, and/or member of the Rosemount Museum Association Board of Directors.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Ralph and Kathlyn Vail Scholarship at Adams State University, c/o Adams State University Foundation, 208 Edgemont Blvd, Suite 3080, Alamosa, CO 81101; Ascension Episcopal Church, 420 W. 18th St., Pueblo, CO 81003; Rosemount Museum Association,419 W. 14th St., Pueblo, CO 81003; or a community service organization of your choice.
Funeral service, 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Ascension Episcopal Church. Interment, Mountain View Cemetery. Online condolences at www.MontgomerySteward.com
Services
Funeral Service: May 20, 2025 10:00 am
Ascension Episcopal Church
18th Street & Grand Ave.
Pueblo, CO 81003
719-543-4253
Interment: May 20, 2025 12:30 pm
Mountain View Cemetery
1315 Acero Avenue
Pueblo, CO 81004
719-564-6023
My sympathy and prayers are with you during this time of loss. Blessings to all.
Truman and Dini Pooler sends our love and respect to your family. Kathlyn was such a supporter to Truman when he worked at Rosemount Museum. When we saw her out she would always visit with us and catch up on how our sons, Thadd and Jared, we’re doing.
For all the happy times and talks with a wonderful lady. Thanks for the friendship it was so wonderful. Ascension Church Pastoral Care will miss you terribly.
Rest in Peace.
Barb Schneider
Your mom was truly an extraordinary woman and was admired by everyone who knew her. The memory of your mom will give you comfort, and her legacy live through you all.
Caring thoughts are with you, and family.
Doris Smith
My Dear Friends,
When Ann sent me the message, that Kathlyn had passed away, to say I was saddened by the news would be an understatement.
I have very fond memories of us all growing up in our little town of Avondale, and those memories clearly include Kathlyn and Ralph.
In the past few years, Kathlyn and I, along with family members shared some special times together. Having lunch, celebrating birthdays and Christmas Eve, visiting the Rosemont, and learning things about the museum that I didn’t know.
We had a lot of good talks and many laughs while we strolled down memory lane.
Ann told me on numerous occasions how much she enjoyed those visits.
I can honestly say, I am not sure
who enjoyed them more her or me.
These are memories I will always hold dear to my heart.
I will miss Kathlyn. Her smile, her wit, her laughter.
I will miss her.
To each of you much love and strength in the coming days.
Bet Allen
We were so sorry to hear this.
Kathlyn was such a great person but older than I so I only knew her siblings. When we were
working so hard raising money for the Sheriff’s SAR team, this great lady and her husband donated a steer which helped out a lot for fundraising and morale. Love to her family.