Leila Katherine Battles

In her 89 years, Kathy taught her friends and family many things. But the most important thing she taught us was to live our life to the fullest through laughter and love.

Leila Katherine (Kathy) was born on February 13, 1934, in Lake City, Arkansas, and was the 13th child of Tom and Selma Stewart (deceased). On March 9th 1953, Kathy married James Henry Battles, Sr. (deceased). Together they had five children, Brenda, Cheryl, Vickie, Anita, and James Jr. (Jimmy). Kathy once said she hoped for a boy with each of her girls, but by the time Jimmy came she hoped for a girl so her poor boy wouldn't have to grow up in a house with four older sisters. But her plan and God's plan didn't align. 

With her family, Kathy lived in many places including Missouri, Nevada, Arkansas, and Michigan, before settling in Sacramento, California. Kathy was a mom dedicated to her family's love and happiness. In her younger years she was an avid pinochle and canasta player and seamstress; pictures displaying a variety of homemade outfits for her growing brood, every stitch sewn with love and grace. 

As her children grew, they expanded their own families giving Kathy 10 grandchildren, one whom she affectionately called little heifer. Kathy also adopted-in-love another daughter who provided her with an adopted-in-love grandson, and was known as mama Kathy to many others, further displaying how open and loving her heart was. 

In her later years, Kathy became a jack of all trades, of sorts, finding new activities to keep herself occupied and fulfilled. Kathy created porcelain dolls for her daughters and granddaughters, that were beautifully crafted. She created Ninja Turtles for her grandsons. She was a master at the crossword puzzle, and dominated in Nintendo games.

Kathy's family grew and grew, and her heart expanded exponentially; having great grandchildren, one even born on her birthday and becoming her namesake, and then onto having great-great grandchildren. Kathy was the matriarch, the strong and loving leader of her clan. 

On May 16, 2023, Kathy left the physical world to spend eternal life with her loved ones before her. Her love still shines; her forgiving nature still present; and her warm heart still lingers, within each of those who knew and loved her.