Katie lost her mother in 1923. Liesa Spenst became her stepmother. When the family immigrated to Canada in 1926, Katie was separated from her sister, when an infection forced Louise to remain in England for a year. The family settled in Steinbach, Man., where at age 9, Katie received Jesus as Saviour. In 1933, the family moved to Yarrrow, B.C. Here Katie met Jacob, and they ran a dairy farm from 1943–63. Katie and Jacob served Yarrow MB Church as deacons for 25 years, and Katie taught Sunday school and helped the ladies’ aid. She was devoted to service, packaging bandages and sewing blankets for MCC. Katie and Jacob camped across North America and visited Africa and Israel. In 1982, they moved to Clearbrook, B.C., where Katie continued to grow roses. After Jacob’s death, she made new friends at Tabor Home. Through challenges, Katie remained determined, faithful, brave, and sweet, and she loved the Lord above all.
