Kathleen “Kathy” King passed away on September 25, 2024, peacefully in her home following a short but fierce battle with an aggressive form of kidney cancer. Her true loves in life were her family and friends, traveling and art.
Born in Morristown, New Jersey, and raised in Boonton, she attended Boonton High School. Following graduation, she met her husband, Meril P. King. The family moved, a sight unseen, to Divide, Colorado, in 1969. Widowed in 1975, she and her three children (Melissa, Meril and Amy) relocated to Colorado Springs in 1980 because she was “tired of snow in May.”
Marrying Richard K. Gordon in 1984 enhanced both her family and traveling. She gained an extended family of a stepdaughter, nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters whom she took into her heart as if they had been her family forever. Her most treasured “sister”-in-law, Linda Huff, was the sister she always dreamed of having in her life. She and Richard took trips all over the world. Their times traveling were her fondest memories, from Italy for the art history, State and National Parks, cruises, Spot 123 in Mueller, rafting the Grand Canyon and so many more!
In 1992 she decided she wanted to go to college. She attended the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs, where she graduated with honors with a Bachelor’s in Fine Art History.
Throughout her career she worked in architecture, land planning and law offices. She spent the most time working for the State of Colorado in multiple capacities, starting at the courthouse in Victor, followed by the Colorado State Forest Service, Vocational Rehabilitation, and retirement from the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs. After retiring in 2008, she became an avid traveler, artist, quilter and crafter extraordinaire.
She was preceded in death by her father, Harry Parliment; her mother, Ruth Parliment; her stepmother, Alice Parliment; her first husband, Meril P. King; her brother, Craig Parliment; and her grandson, Jordan Redden-King.
She is survived by her children: daughter and son-in-law Melissa and Greg Howie, daughter Amy Marquardt, and son Meril King; her husband, Richard K. Gordon; her brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Robin Parliment; her four grandsons: Cody and Nicole Marquardt, Hunter Marquardt, and Taylor and Kori King; her two great-grandbabies, Nova and Ozzy Marquardt; her nephews: Sean, Jason, Eddie, Kurt, Craig Jr. and Ryan Parliment; and her beloved yellow lab, Hal.
She loved and was loved by so many and will be terribly missed by all!
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Cottonwood Center for the Arts.
Service to be held at 10:00 AM on October 25, 2024, at the Shrine of Remembrance at 1730 E Fountain Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80910.
Pat Bergeson
4 Oct 2024My deepest sympathy to you all. KK will always be loved and Never forgotten by my family. She was one in a million.
Amy
5 Oct 2024My dear sweetest Mama,
I/we miss you so very much every second of every day.
LUM
Juli Heintz
5 Oct 2024I am so sorry for your loss. Kathleen was a terrific friend & it was always fun to be around her. She had such a kind heart. So happy to have known her💜
Charlene Taylor
5 Oct 2024Kathy was one cool lady. It was my privilege to be a friend via her daughter, Melissa. She was gracious and welcoming whenever I was around. Loved her family above all else. I know she leaves a hole that can never be filled. Thank you Kathy for being you.
Jolene tallent
6 Oct 2024My heart is just broken I’m gonna miss doing her hair and our great talks . She sure was a gem 💎 and had such a big heart! So sorry for your loss my heart goes out to you girls so much!
Sincerely, Jolene
John and Yolanda
7 Oct 2024Melissa, Greg and Family
We are so sorry for your loss. We know she will be deeply missed. Hold on to all your precious memories, they will see you thought this difficult time, and times to come. Treasure your moments with her and remember the good times. John and Yolanda
Melinda Hamilton
8 Oct 2024I miss you so much, my sweet friend! Oh, the fun times we had. Thank you for the love, laughter, and great memories! I love you, KK!!! ❤️
Patty/Sean Parliment
9 Oct 2024My deepest condolence to the whole family. Kathy had a beautiful soul.
Sherry McDonnell
11 Oct 2024I cannot imagine your sense of loss. Kathy was a treasure, full of joy & so kind. I will always remember that beautiful smile and how gracious she was.