Kathleen Anne Hutson
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
We now only the beauty of the art she left behind. A remarkable artist with talents ranging from painting and beading to songwriting and playing guitar, Kathy Hutson, 83, passed away peacefully Nov. 18, 2025, after a lengthy battle with chronic pain and dementia.
Through her art she touched so many lives.
Kathy was born in Spokane, WA, in 1942 at Sacred Heart Medical Center to Margaret (Maggie) Gunter. As a young girl in a military family, Kathy moved around to many locations including stops in Michigan and California. Her most impactful stop was in Madrid, Spain, where she attended high school and studied at the renowned Museo Del Prado. Some of her work was exhibited in the museum that also features work by Goya and Rembrandt.
She completed high school at Shadle Park in Spokane where she was part of the student team that helped decide the school’s colors and mascot, the mighty Highlander.
Kathy’s professional life began at Sears where she worked in the display department. Using her artistic abilities, Kathy designed holiday decorations and created displays that cleverly highlighted products. Taking the 1960s Sears slogan “Sears has Everything” to its full meaning , Kathy found the love of her life – Gary Hutson, who also worked in the display department.
The two set up home in the Spokane Valley and had one son, Chad Hutson, whom they loved deeply and frequently teased that he would never have siblings since their first child was perfect. They eventually moved to the Shadle area in Spokane where Kathy would set up her studio and began crafting art of all types.
She was a member of the Associated Garden Clubs and had an exhibit win first place at the national federated garden club show in the 1970s. Kathy wrote many folk songs during this time on a variety of topics including the Sunshine Mine disaster in 1972 that was performed at several events and on news programs. A talented guitarist, Kathy was skilled at Flamenco – a Spanish art form that combines singing, dancing, and playing the guitar. Kathy was also a trained belly dancer and performed at various functions around the Spokane area.
Kathy would also spend time teaching art at her son’s elementary school, Loma Vista, to fourth, fifth, and sixth grade classes. She savored this time with the students.
But it was her love of the canvas where Kathy focused her energy. Painting wildlife, Native American themed art, and scenic pieces, Kathy’s work was shown in galleries throughout the West Coast. She was a regular exhibitor at the Spokane Western Art Show and, with her husband and son in tow, would travel in their 1970s van to art shows around the Inland Northwest selling her creations.
Kathy also spent many hours working as a volunteer with the American Indian Community Center in Spokane and served on the Sacheen Lake preservation committee.She eventually retired from the art show circuit to spend more time with Gary at their cabin on Lake Sacheen. Kathy now had a new canvas on which to create. From her hand-carved eagles on the cabin’s solid wood front door to paintings on the knotty pine slats to wind sculptures outside, Kathy filled the space with her artistry.
Missing the feeling of giving back, Kathy and Gary volunteered for many years with Spokane Fantasy Flight – a non-profit program that provides a holiday experience for underprivileged and at-risk youth. Kathy was known as “Snowflake.” She delighted the children with her elaborate face painting and guided them on their flight to the “North Pole.” Kathy and Gary (aka “G-PA”) would call their time with Fantasy Flight one of their greatest rewards in life.
Kathy loved caring for her grandchildren, Delaney, Mackenzie, Tyce, and Cal, and shared with them her love for art, nature, and reading. She also loved family game nights, where there was never a dull moment.
After her husband Gary’s passing in 2021, Kathy was determined to stay in her home of more than 50 years. She continued caring for the house, gardening, enjoying time by her pond, and cuddling her cat Jetta. She was always surrounded by neighbors, family, and friends, who visited often.Kathy is survived by son Chad Hutson, daughter-in-law Bethany Luck-Hutson and grandchildren Tyce Hutson and Caliana Hutson of Bonney Lake, WA, granddaughters Delaney Hutson, Shoreline, WA, and Mackenzie Ciboro (Tim), Nashville, TN, and in-laws Greg and Judy Luck of Colbert, WA, and Jennah Luck-Flinders (Jeremy), Aven and Ryer Flinders of Spokane.
She was preceded in death by her husband Gary and her mother Maggie.
A service celebrating Kathy’s life will be held in January.
Please consider a donation in Kathleen's honor.
