Kathy Jean Espiritu

January 23, 1960 - June 14, 2020

Kathy Jean Espiritu was born on January 23, 1960 to Edward Earl and Charlotte Jean Kokoruda in Fresno, California. She was the 3rd child of 6 children. She and her family moved to Oregon in the mid 60’s.

Kathy had 2 daughters, Rosa Jean in 1977 and Beronica Marie in 1980. In 1989, Kathy’s dad came to visit Kathy and the girls in McMinnville and brought them news that forever changed their lives. He told them that he had trusted Jesus Christ as his Savior. He then introduced them to Jesus and all 3 of them trusted Christ as their Savior. They began to attend Greater Portland Baptist Church in Portland where they were baptized. Kathy asked Pastor Adams about attending a church that was closer to them, and he recommended Sheridan Baptist Church. They visited Sheridan Baptist Church and after one visit, the girls NEVER wanted to return. After mom said to give it a try, they eventually came to know and love the people of Sheridan Baptist Church, who also became family, and made this their church home for the last 31 years; the rest is history.

Mom had a lot of health issues early on beginning with her heart. She underwent a heart transplant April 20, 1991. Kathy was a walking example to the medical community that God answers prayer and works miracles. She was not ashamed to tell anyone about her Savior. She told everyone about her daughters, son in law, and granddaughters and also shared the love Jesus at every opportunity.

Kathy was always making food, and baked goods for anyone she could. She loved baking and being able to share with others. She loved making banana bread for the preachers.

When her granddaughters were born, Kathy’s life was changed again. She lived for her granddaughters, extremely and was very proud. She loved her “SJ”, “Aly Cat” and “Mouse”.

She lived for the PeeWees (3-6 year old Junior Church) who she fondly called, “my babies”. She began helping in the PeeWee church in the early 90’s. She was first Mrs. Catlin’s helper and later became the teacher, a position she held until her last day on this earth. She loved teaching them, helping them memorize scripture, telling Bible stories, making snacks and having holiday parties.

Kathy Jean Espiritu left this earth and stepped onto Heaven’s streets on June 14, 2020.

Kathy was preceded in death by her Father, Edward Earl Kokoruda, and sister Kristy June Eaton.

She is survived by her Mother, Charlotte Hall, Sister - Karen Sosa, Brothers - Ed Kokoruda, Keith Kokoruda, and Donald Kokoruda, Daughters - Rosa McCandless, (Son-in-law Larry McCandless), and Beronica Espiritu, Granddaughters - Samantha McCandless, Alyssa McCandless, and Joanna McCandless, extended family, church family, and many friends.

Memorial services will be held Friday, June 19, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the Sheridan Baptist Church at 643 East Main Street, Sheridan, Oregon with a Graveside committal to follow at Green Crest Memorial Park in Sheridan, Oregon.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in her memory be given to the Children’s Education Center of Sheridan Baptist Church.