Katherine Gourley

Katherine “Kathy” Arleen (Rutledge) Gourley went to her final resting place in heaven the morning of August 10, 2023. She was a brave and tough warrior in her battle with cancer and she is finally healed. Kathy lived in Monroe, GA with her beloved husband of 22 years, Terry Gourley.

Kathy was born on November 5, 1956, in Atlanta, GA to parents Lamar & Margie Rutledge and grew up in the metro Atlanta area. She was the little sister to Kenny Rutledge whom she loved and adored. As a teenager, she could cut a rug with dance moves like the jerk, the pony and the funky chicken. Patsy Cline was probably the most remembered artist that Kathy could belt the lines to. She loved music and used to sneak into her brother’s room with her best friend in high school, also Kathy, to listen to Pink Floyd on his headphones. Some of her other favorites were Fleetwood Mac and most definitely Phil Collins. On plenty of occasions, she would be compared to the looks of Jamie Lee Curtis.

Kathy was very talented and creative and spent time on her hobbies of making clothes for her girls when they were little to painting ceramics and other artistic projects. She crocheted throughout her life making items from afghans to doilies. The many creations made by her hands will be treasured forever. Beautiful flowers are thriving in her yard from the talents and hard work from herself and Terry. Her talent flowed into her work as well. Her big brother, Kenny, taught her the skill of being a dental laboratory technician, which she did for more than 30 years.

Kathy had an infectious laugh that you couldn’t help but to laugh along with. Since she was quite shy at taking pictures, her loved ones could always catch a good one with a well timed joke. Spending time with her family brought her true joy & becoming a “Mimi” to her grandkids really brought her to another level of passion for her family. Being with her family was her happy place…especially being on the river in Helen with Kayla.

Terry was the love of her life and she certainly loved him with all of her heart. They enjoyed the occasional weekend trip to the mountains where they mined for gems and they relaxed on trips to the hunting camp. Terry could make Kathy laugh with silly jokes or crazy stories. Their favorite spot to visit was Cherokee, NC. Kathy had an affinity for Native American history and culture and she loved finding special pieces to decorate with that showed that love.

Kathy was preceded in death by her father, Milton Lamar Rutledge, brother, Kenneth Lamar Rutledge and daughter, Kayla Paige Hammons.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Terry Gourley, daughter, Carisa Brea (O’Shields) Henderson (Donny), daughter, Shanda Leigh (O’Shields) Watkins (Joe), mother, Marjorie Lee (Duffey) Rutledge, granddaughters, Julia Henderson, Jenna Henderson (fiancé, Adrian Turpin), Hannah Watkins & grandson, Keith Watkins, stepdaughter, Amanda Gourley and stepgrandson, Mylan Gourley. She is also survived by sister-in-law, Joann Rutledge and nephew, Jonathan Rutledge (Jennifer) and great niece, Katie Rutledge. She also had many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Kathy would want everyone to remember a few things…pack your patience, don’t judge a book by its cover and most importantly, treat others the way you want to be treated!

There will be a Celebration of Life for Kathy at the home of Joe & Shanda Watkins on August 26, 2023 from 4-8pm. If you knew Kathy or would like to show support for her loved ones, drop by or stay and hang out. We will share stories, have some of her favorite music and spend time celebrating this amazing lady. You can reach out to Shanda O’Shields Watkins on Facebook Messenger for the address. There is also a Facebook Event, “Celebration of Life for Kathy Gourley”, created for the occasion.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Katherine Gourley, please visit our floral store.