Kathryn Otero

Kathryn (Kathi) Sue Otero, age 85, passed away peacefully at home, with her family at her bedside, in Parker CO on April 22, 2025. Kathi was born August 25, 1939 in Tyler Texas, to Claude (Jack) Powers and Ruth Evelyn (Myers) Powers. Kathi grew up in Modesto CA and was a graduate of Thomas Downey High School in 1957. She married Roland (Ron) Merman on June 29, 1957 and had three children: Roland Scott, Susan Jean, and Mark Eric,

Kathi and Ron were divorced in 1968. Kathi studied Chemistry and became a chemical technician for Dow Chemical, and later Umpqua Research, and she loved her job all through her life. In 1975 she married Danny Otero, and they enjoyed 40 years of life together. They retired in 1984 and purchased a campground in Remote Oregon, which they operated for ten years. The couple moved into the town of Myrtle Creek, Oregon, in 1995.

Kathi was an accomplished seamstress, quitler, and painted ceramic figurines for many family members and friends. For as long as we can remember Kathi and Danny enjoyed trips to the California and Oregon coastline. And last November Kathi took a once in a lifetime trip to Kaui, Hawaii with her family. Kathi enjoyed pets of all kinds. Her children remember a box turtle that lived under a tree in their backyard, an iguana, and a succession of cats and dogs. In her later years, George, Dolly and then Madison (all cute little dogs) were her constant companions.

Kathi loved her grandchildren and step grandchildren (as much as her own), even having a couple of her grandsons living with her at the campground. She and Danny also “adopted” some friends as their “Oregon kids". She felt especially blessed to be able to watch Chance, her Oregon grandson, grow up. For the last 25 years of life she was her oldest son’s guardian and medical advocate. This role brought the added blessing of being able to see her grandson (Roland Jr) regularly. Though 3 of her grandchildren were not close by, she loved receiving their pictures, phone calls, occasional visits (and making their Halloween costumes). In 2022 she and Roland moved to Colorado to be near her great grandson, Gabe,

Kathi was a thirty year member of the Lions Club (a service organization helping secure eyeglasses and hearing aids for people in need). She helped run the Tri County food bank in Oregon, volunteered at the local library, and read to children at the Elementary School. She was an active member of Myrtle Creek United Methodist Church, and at the age of 79 was elected to a seat on the City Council. Kathi realized how God helped her through difficult times in her life, and in response she wanted to help others.

Kathi was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Danny; her brother, Bill Powers; and her son, Mark. Kathi is survived by her children: Roland Scott Merman; Susan (Merman) and David Wallin. Stepdaughters: Christine Schriendl; Laura Howk. Grandchildren: Roland Michael Merman; Katie (Wallin) and Matthew Miller; Carl Wallin; and Mar Merman; and great grandson Gabriel Miller. Cousins: Karen (Don) Torrenga; Darla (Jeff) Rigard; Lorna (David) Wynn; and Jennifer Gruber. Nieces: Kate, Casey, and LaShelle Powers, and many step relations whom she loved; and her sweet canine companion, Bella.

In lieu of flowers, Kathi would appreciate support given to any of the following: Centennial Lions, Myrtle Creek Lions, Grace Covenant Church, Lakewood, CO, Myrtle Creek United Methodist Church, Myrtle Creek, OR. 

Kathi’s family will be holding a Celebration of Life service at 10:30 AM, Saturday, June 7, at Grace Covenant Church, 10101 W Mississippi Ave., Lakewood, CO, 80226.