Katherine Elizabeth Pelo

Katherine “Kay” Pelo, 88, of Walla Walla, died peacefully in her home on June 15, 2016 with her three sons at her side.

Katherine Elizabeth White was born to the late Charles and Bessie White, on October 24, 1927, in Baylis, IL. She graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Home Economics. She then moved to Chicago and worked as a Home Economist for the Amana Appliance Corporation. It was in Chicago that she met her future husband Richard “Dick” Pelo. It was one blind date and the rest is history. They were married on January 15, 1955 and moved to Walla Walla, Wash the following year.

Kay and Dick purchased the 7-Up Bottling franchise in 1956 and the Coca-Cola Bottling franchise in 1961. With Kay by his side, Dick ran the Bottling operation until their retirement in 1986, when their three sons took over the operation. Many evenings, salesmen would ask Dick to dinner but he cheerfully brought them home to Kay for a home cooked meal instead - with very little notice. The couple later sold the business to Swire Coca-Cola.

Kay was an active member of Walla Walla Presbyterian Church – where she served faithfully as a member of session, a Sunday school teacher, and many other capacities. Kay and Dick were members of the church Couples Club from which they derived great pleasure. Kay was also a member of P.E.O. and the Carnegie Center Docents.

Above all, Kay loved her church, her family, and the adventures she shared with Dick. She was her husband’s greatest supporter – and together they built a strong business and an even stronger family. Dick passed away in December 2014 – and left a void that just couldn’t be filled.

Kay and Dick were fortunate to see much of the world together and create the memories that they loved to share. They loved watching their sons grow, and later sharing in the lives of their grandchildren.

Katherine is survived by three sons, Jack and Melinda Pelo of Sandy, Utah; Don and Janice Pelo of Bellevue, Wash; Rich and April Pelo of San Diego, Calif. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Ryan, Kevin, Katie, Matt, Scott, Lauren and Mitch who brought her unending pride and joy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Walla Walla Presbyterian Church or the charity or your choice.

A memorial service will be held at 1 pm on Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at Walla Walla Presbyterian Church. A reception will follow in the social hall. A private burial will be held at Mountain View Cemetery.