Kathleen Elain Mcmahan

“On angel’s wings you were taken away but in our hearts you will always stay.” Kathleen (“Kathy”) Elain McMahan, loving wife, mother, sister and friend died peacefully at her home on January 10, 2022, after a long and valiant struggle with brain cancer. A kind and trusting soul, Kathy simply made the earth a better place from the moment she took her first breath on August 1,1955. Kathy was born in Chicago, Illinois, the second child of Conrad and Barbara (Anderson) Manley. Kathy was simply the most well behaved amongst her six other siblings. As a teenager, she worked hard to become a ventriloquist and was truly talented. Kathy and her Danny O’Day spent much time gifting happy memories to many young children. In 1973, Kathy graduated from high school and was soon married. Kathy raised her children in Apple Valley, California where she devoted herself to motherhood. While doing so, she spent much time sewing quilts and working on needlepoint crafts. In 1987, Kathy followed in her grandmother’s footsteps and graduated from Victor Valley College and became a registered nurse. Kathy worked for many years as a nurse at Victor Valley Hospital, in Victorville, California. During this time, Kathy was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and received cutting edge treatment that extended her life. Happily, Kathy’s story did not end there, as God does not ignore angels. In 2000, Kathy was introduced to Ron, the love of her life. Soon after, they started a new life across the country in Knoxville, Tennessee. Kathy was embraced by Ron’s children and family. Afterwards, James, her loyal and loving son, relocated to be near his mother. Despite her own illness, Kathy worked many years as a nurse at the neonatal intensive care unit at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Kathy loved babies, cats and dogs, otters, reading, collecting antiques, anything chocolate and traveling. She is survived by her mother, Barbara Fisher, East Carbon, UT; her siblings, Constance (Gary) Harvey, Helper, UT; Gerald (Christine) Manley, East Carbon, UT; Ashley (Jeanette) Manley, East Carbon, UT; Tom (Mary) Manley, Moab, UT; Charlotte (Randy) Salyer, Las Vegas, NV; Joe Manley, East Carbon, UT; her loving husband, Ronnie (Ron) McMahan; her children, James Roessler, Knoxville, TN; Karen Roessler, Apple Valley, CA; her step children, Bradley (Bridgett) McMahan, Melissa McMahan; and her Tennessee Grandchildren that brought her much joy, Jaxon, Carter and Zachary. She is preceded in death by her stepson Bryan McMahan. Family and friends may call at their convenience on Wednesday, January 19th, 2021, from 9am to 5pm at Mynatt Funeral Home, Halls Chapel, 4131 E Emory Rd Knoxville. Friends and family will meet on Thursday, January 20th, 2021, at 12:15pm at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery on East Governor John Sevier Highway for a 12:30 graveside service, Father Bill McNeeley officiating. Online condolences may be left at www.mynattfh.com.