Katelynn “Katie” Neal Munsell gained her heavenly angel wings on Friday September 10, 2021 in Cliff, NM. Katie was welcomed to this world on September 23, 1999 to Gerrad Munsell and Jackie Kartchner in Medford, Oregon. With an infectious smile and contagious laughter Katie came into this world at a high rate of speed and never slowed down; leaving a larger than life impression on every person she met with her deep brown eyes and bright smile. Katie was a “little” and younger sister to her big brother’s Andrew, Tyler, and TJ, growing up under their watch added a level of grit and tenacity to this feisty little human. Katie was a natural athlete and anything boys could do, she could do better. From dirt bikes to snowboarding to every school sport, Katie was an excellent team mate, athlete and leader.
Embracing her competitive spirit and agriculture heritage, Katie enjoyed 4-H, raising show hogs and competing locally and at the Jackson County fair. Living with her dad Gerrad and her stepmom Christine, Katie graduated from high school in her birth state of Oregon as a Butte Falls Logger. With a gypsy spirit and having never met a stranger it’s no surprise that Katie had big plans for travel, education and multiple career paths. Never letting the grass grow under her feet she moved from place to place satisfying her adventurous spirit, learning something new daily and making new friends. Her journeys took her from a small town in Oregon, to Clackamas Community college in Portland...dashing across the US to the Panhandle of Oklahoma to attend OPHSU. Following her servant heart, Katie’s dream was to be a pediatric nurse. With strong family ties in both Oregon and New Mexico, COVID gave Katie a beautiful opportunity to spend an extended amount of time with her mom Jackie and step dad, Clint Kartchner, at the Karchner’s Y-6 ranch in Mule Creek, NM. She spent her days homing her cowgirl, welder and equipment operator skills; a beautiful steward of the land, all while taking online courses to fulfill her nursing dream.
Her worldly and heavenly family are so deep and broad, to acknowledge all of the aunts, uncles, cousins...and extended family would fill volumes.
Katie’s immediate family-
Mother and stepdad- Jackie Kartchner of Phoenix, AZ. and Clint Kartchner of Mule Creek, NM. Dad and stepmom- Gerrard and Christine Munsell of Eagle Point, OR, Brothers- Tyler Munsell, Prospect, OR. Andrew Van Wey of Shady Cove, OR, TJ Tacchini of Medford, Or. Clancy Kartchner of Cliff, NM.
Grandparents- Butch Wallace of Cliff, NM. Wes and Judy Haviland of Shady Cove, OR. Glenn and Grace Munsell of Ashland, OR. Judy Sanderson and (preceded in death) her grandpa Paul Sanderson Sr. of White City, OR. Sharon Kartchner and (preceded in death) her grandpa Del Roy Kartchner of Mule Creek, NM.
Cremation has taken place at Terrazas Crematory. No service will be held at this time. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.