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Katherine Schorzman Poulton

Katherine Schorzman Poulton

Oct. 9, 1945 - May 27, 2023

Date of Service: Jun. 9, 2023

Service Program

OAKLEY – Katherine (Kathy) Schorzman Poulton died suddenly on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls.

Kathy, the daughter of Madge Matthews and Arthur E. Schorzman, was born in Oakley, Idaho, on October 9, 1945. Kathy lived an idyllic childhood on the family farm in Sublett, Idaho, where she entertained and directed her three siblings. As the oldest child, she was often put in charge of keeping the little ones occupied. She was always patient and creative and took her big sister role seriously. Her skills as a seamstress were often put to good use for the latest doll clothes, costume and formal dress.

In 1951, the family purchased a home in Burley and would move to “town” during the school year and live in Sublett during the summers. Kathy attended Burley High School where she was active in countless clubs and activities. She was an accomplished pianist and vocalist and excelled in drama. She graduated in 1963, then attended the University of Idaho but finished her degree at the University of Utah, with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Her first teaching job was in West Allis, Wisconsin. She then moved back to Burley where she taught in numerous schools in the Cassia County School District, retiring after 32 years. Most former students will remember the bug collections, silly songs, and numerous other unforgettable life lessons taught with her strict, but fair demeanor. There are few who weren’t impacted by her teaching.

Kathy married Gary Russell “Mike” Poulton, of Oakley, and they raised their two children, Kaye and Michael (“Mike”) while running the family farm and cow/calf operation. They moved the farm from Warm Creek to Goose Creek over the course of their 30-year marriage. Kathy was an excellent cook and no one left hungry from any meal that she made for those who helped brand or move the cows up or down the mountain. She supported the Rodeer each year. She and Marty Bedke camped, fed and cleaned up while everyone else moved the cows. The meals were always exceptionally cooked and gourmet, even in the dustiest of locations.

Kathy lost Mike on May 27, 2001, from Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. During his five-year battle with this disease, she provided care, sitting with him through infusions and hospital stays. Kathy was the source of strength for the family.

After retirement, Kathy participated in numerous organizations that kept her busy. She was never one to let the grass grow under her feet! She served on the West Cassia Soil & Water Conservation District Board for 14 years. She was secretary/treasurer for 11 of those years, helping with conservation programs that supported both student and adult community education. Kathy, never one to sit still, became a certified Master Gardener, contributing to service projects such as the restoration of the Burley Caboose Garden. Kathy was also a long-time member of P.E.O. Recently, she became a certified Fit and Fall Proof Class Leader and taught classes at the Oakley Senior Center.

Kathy had a passion for quilting. You could often find Kathy at her sewing machine, working on birthday, retirement, graduation, wedding or “just because” quilts, which were all tailor-made for each person. She was a member and officer of the Mt. Harrison Quilt Guild.

Throughout her entire life, her constant source of strength was her faith in God and her affiliation with the First Presbyterian Church of Burley. Kathy was dedicated to her faith and supporting the church. We want to thank all the members that supported her throughout the years, especially Carleen Clayville and the Reverends David and Donna Henry.

Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Mike; and her parents, Art and Madge Schorzman. She is survived by her children, Kaye (Chris) Poulton-Timm and Michael Poulton; her five grandchildren, Reece (Ellie), Jayden and Clate Poulton, and Alex and Henry Timm; her siblings, John (Kate) Schorzman, Carolyn (Craig) Wallin, and Anne Schorzman; and numerous nieces and nephews. Kathy will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 9, at First Presbyterian Church, located at 2100 Burton Ave., in Burley, with the Rev. John Ziulkowski officiating. Burial will follow at Oakley Cemetery in Oakley. Friends and family are invited to a luncheon at the Oakley Stake Center, 355 N. Center Ave., immediately following the graveside service.

Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, June 8, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Friday, preceding the funeral, at the church.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/tN7T5g3tfv0.

Kathy was an avid supporter of youth and educational programs. Her family asks that in lieu of flowers, you make a donation to the West Cassia Soil & Water Conservation District for educational scholarships by sending a check to West Cassia SWCD, 1361 East 16th St., Burley, ID 83318.

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Condolences for Katherine Schorzman Poulton

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Patti Johnson Malecha:
We are really sorry to hear about Kathy’s passing. My sister Elizabeth and I ran around with Carolyn and Anne and only knew Kathy as the older sister. After graduating from Burley High and then from college, we found our way to Alaska and have lived here ever since. But when our mother died suddenly, Kathy and the other women in our home church- Burley Presbyterian- were so helpful and such a comfort in helping coordinate a memorial service and luncheon. Again when our father passed away, we called on the church to help with the service and received help with such warmth and care. Kathy was a huge part of that. The Schorzman family is a very special part of our youthful memories. We feel very lucky to have had a chance to get to know the older sister.
From Clare Wallin:
Aunt Kathy could do anything & she just about did it all. Always baking, cooking, canning (my favorites are her B&B pickles), quilting, sewing, making, planting, etc. Her freezer stocked with fruitcakes & beer-rocks, none of us would go hungry on her watch. Like my grandmother, Madge, Aunt Kathy had a “pick yourself up by your bootstraps” philosophy when the unexpected would happen. She never took time to dwell on the negative. When the sisters visited me in NYC, Aunt Kathy had the subway figured out in about 10 mins, while I had lived there a few months & was still struggling with it. She had us search every shop for the “perfect” souvenirs (at the best $) to take back home. For one sisters' trip, she borrowed my rain jacket & when it was returned, one of the pockets had acorns inside that she had picked up along one of their walks. She was a life-long learner. Family gatherings will never be the same, her presence will be missed. I am grateful she was my Aunt.
From Clare Wallin:
Aunt Kathy could do anything & she just about did it all. Always baking, cooking, canning (my favorites are her B&B pickles), quilting, sewing, making, planting, etc. Her freezer stocked with fruitcakes & beer-rocks, none of us would go hungry on her watch. Like my grandmother Madge, Aunt Kathy had a “pick yourself up by your bootstraps” philosophy when the unexpected would happen. She never took time to dwell on the negative. When the sisters visited me in NYC, Aunt Kathy had the subway figured out in about 10 mins, while I had lived there a few months & was still struggling with it. She had us search every shop for the “perfect” souvenirs (at the best $) to take back home. For one sisters' trip, she borrowed my rain jacket & when it was returned, one of the pockets had acorns inside that she had picked up along one of their walks. She was a life-long learner. Family gatherings will never be the same, her presence will be missed. I am grateful she was my Aunt.
From Sarah Schorzman Nielson:
She was my friend and role model, and I was always proud to call her my aunt.
From Val Schorzman:
Kathy and my husband, Glen, were first cousins. There was a special bond for both of them, being the same age. Kathy was always fun to be around with a great sense of humor. She will be missed by all whose lives she touched. My deepest condolences to the family.
From Elizabeth A Davis:
I first met Kathy at a Master Gardener meeting and then I joined Mt. Harrison Quilting Guild. I loved talking and visiting with her. She was always warm and welcoming. To lose her so quickly has been hard. I know she will leave a big hole in both the Master Gardener group and Mt. Harrison. Miss you, Kathy!
From Carleen Clayville:
Kathy Poulton, what can I say! We have been friends as long as I remember. We traveled together, whether it be quilting or Presbyterian Church meetings. She was a special friend to all, we sewed, quilted, laughed, cried together. I will miss her more than I can imagine, I'm glad to have had her as my side-kick for many years! The Presbyterian Church is better having her talent and creativity in our midst for so long! Rest in Peace, dear friend!
From Jeanie Schorzman Hobbs:
Kathy was my double cousin. Our fathers were brothers and our mothers were cousins. Each family had four children and the cousins matched closely in ages. Kathy was the glue that held the cousins together. She kept us updated on family matters, and organized the annual Memorial Day gathering always climaxed by one of her legendary dinners.
We treasure the last time we saw Kathy when she, Carolyn, Craig and Alan visited us in Oregon. We toured the Oregon coastal gardens and visited for hours. Kathy was loved and will be greatly missed.
From Tia Mullins:
Kathy and Mike were the very first ones to visit us the day we moved to the "Dam" house bringing us Russell Stover Chocolate Orange Sticks. Their generosity although mostly kept secret, was never to be topped by anyone in this Community. We were board members on the West Cassia Soil and Water Conservation District. Most memorable however; we were co-Grandma's to three of the most amazing boys. Lots of Holiday meals were graciously shared around that mile long oval table with ALWAYS the right amount of tableservice for the guests. We lived on each end of Gentile mile. I will miss you greatly Kathy Poulton. RIP
From Mindy Poulton :
Kathy was my mother-in-law for 21 years. I learned so much from this woman. She taught me about the ups and downs of ranch life. She taught me how to feed a large group of cowboys and turned me loose to do just that at Piney during the fall roundup. I learned about strength from her. She was strong in faith, morals, spirit, community, country, and family. Mike and I had 3 boys. Since we didn’t have girls, we never imagined we’d be attending dance recitals! However, Kathy never let the dust settle under her feet. She took up tap dancing, and before we knew it, there we were! Attending Grandma Kathy’s dance recitals!
I want to thank Kathy for all she has done for my family. She was such an amazing grandma to the boys and I will forever be grateful for her loving kindness towards them. She lived just down the road and her absence will be a huge adjustment for them. Much love to her family and friends during this difficult time.
From Staci (Collett) Lopshire :
Mrs. Poulton was always so kind to me. I loved being in her class. I especially remember it for fun science lessons. It wasn't easy moving to a new round in 7th grade, but she provided a smile when needed. She will be missed! Hugs to family and friends. May all the amazing memories being you peace.
From Sharon Hutchison Hutchison:
Thinking of you with sincere sympathy. So sorry for your loss.
From Mary Schorzman Haymond:
I’m so pleased to have grown up with my cousin, Kathy. I was proud of her career and influence in a family of teachers. One quick story: fifty years ago, when I was student teaching, I stayed with Aunt Madge, Kathy’s mom. During a family visit before Christmas, her young daughter Kaye approached me and said, “My mom is making you a Christmas present…but it’s NOT a night gown!” Which, of course, it was. Kids! Such an important part of her life. Kathy also led the family’s Memorial Day visits to the cemetery to clean markers and honor relatives who have gone before us. I’ll miss her!
From Julie Reynolds:
Kathy was an accomplished quilter and always available to help me with her knowledge. She will be missed. May God continue to shower His mercy and love to her family members.
From Kim Kramer:
Kathy was a leading member of the Mt. Harrison Quilt Guild. In January I asked everyone to write a short bio for us to read. This is what she wrote. "I became a quilter after I retired from 32 years of teaching. I have sewn my whole life making my own clothes, my husband’s shirts, children’s clothing. I tied many flannel quilts for camping and our summer home. I can ride a horse, drive a truck and cook a meal for 50-more or less cowboys. I enjoy a challenge and learning new skills. " She was all that and so much more.
From Al and Kathy Barrus:
Kathy was a real spark plug and a good friend. She has been a wonderful asset to this community. She will be missed by all who knew her.
From Alan Hennebold:
I met Kathy years ago on a family excursion up Goose Creek. When we picked Kathy up she had just finished a rug for a friend’s child and had homemade ice cream sandwiches for all of us. That was the Kathy I came to know—always working, and always on behalf of others. Her passing leaves a void. My sympathy to her family and many friends.
From Gary Schorzman:
Kathy was a Schorzman cousin of mine. Our grandfathers were brothers who homesteaded here at Kimama/Adelaide in 1913. Kathy was close to my dad as well as myself. We enjoyed our family history as well as each other. She did have a great sense of humor. She will be missed as time ticks away at all of us.
From Linda Culley:
I really enjoyed this lady. She was straight forward and true to her word. I will miss her and hope to see her again in heaven.
Love ya Kathy.
From Kathy Collett:
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and community during this difficult time. Kathy was such a strong, hard working, amazing woman. She will be missed.
From Irvin Tilley:
She was a model in MATH knowledge for me in public. She was a goal to me to beat her test scores. But, I never even got close. I still kept trying. She was an easy person for me to talk with.
From Doreen McMurray:
I worked with Kathy for 14 years as she volunteered and served as a Supervisor on the West Cassia Soil & Water Conservation District board. She was dedicated to promoting education and conservation. She helped and served others selflessly. I am grateful for her positive influence and her example.
From Hazel Vegwert:
Kathy was simply, the Presbyterian Church! She knew everything about it. She had a heart of gold and, while she could be stern, was a very caring individual. She had the best books and loaned them. I will miss her more than words can express.
From Joe stringham:
What a great lady and good teacher. May memories of her be ever engraved in the mind of her students. May her family be blessed from heaven
From Jillian (Hale) Larsen:
Mrs. Poulton was my Jr High science teacher. She was an excellent teacher, and made sure her students had ample learning opportunity and experience. She was very strict, but I could tell she liked me, and I like to think of myself as her favorite student :D I learned a lot from her, and I enjoyed visiting her at home occasionally after she retired!
From Mary Zarybnisky:
Kathy was a caring lady, and a a strong witness for her Christian faith. She was devoted to her family and friends wherever life took them.

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