Kathleen Floy Whittam

Kathleen “Kathy” Floy Whittam, after a life of devotion to Jesus Christ, went home to be with her Savior on Monday, June 16, 2025 at the age of 79. She is survived by three children: Noelle Mackey, Robert Whittam, and Patrick Whittam, as well as five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Mary Paulette Lollar.

Kathy was born Wanda Floy Kathleen Lollar on October 8, 1945, in Phoenix, Arizona to Billie Jeanne and Charles Edward Lollar, who predecease her.

Kathy's early years were spent in Arizona. Her southwest roots inspired her lifelong passion for Native American art, which she proudly showcased in her home, along with her animal prints and Renoir replicas.

Kathy had an inquisitive mind and a strong sense of adventure. Her shelves were full of books of many genres, and she studied history in her spare time. Though she loved spending time with her family and friends, she also relished the quiet solitude of a good book, and could enjoy one in any environment.

As an enthusiastic animal lover, Kathy always had at least one pet by her side. Her beloved pets will surely be waiting for her on the other side with a cacophony of purring and a massive blur of wagging tails.

Kathy loved her life, but she looked forward to reuniting with her beloved husband, Mike Whittam. After his death, hardly a day went by that she did not speak fondly of him. They first met at college in Arizona, marrying in early 1964. That December, Noelle— their first child— was born. Weeks later, the young family moved to Oregon, where Mike landed a job with Oregon State Parks.

In the following years, sons Robert and Patrick were born in Salem. Kathy served her family as a full-time homemaker, and was heavily involved in various church and civic organizations, alongside Mike.

In 1985, she earned her bachelor’s degree in business from Western Oregon State College, and used her knowledge to build a successful career in Real Estate. She worked for Coldwell Banker where she transformed colleagues into faithful friends.

During her retirement years, Kathy turned her creativity to writing, eventually self-publishing five books. Following her sense of adventure, she traveled to Alaska, Scotland, and countries along the eastern side of the Baltic Sea.

She also led a women’s Bible study at her church and served on the Keizer Parks Foundation board, where she was instrumental in establishing the Mike Whittam Park in recognition of his service to the people of Keizer. Later, she spearheaded an effort to create a community garden on the park grounds, which she oversaw for the first few years of its existence. Kathy always had a couple of plots, and gave her abundance to the Marion Polk Food Share.

Kathy touched many lives wherever she was and is remembered fondly by all.

In lieu of flowers the family would like donations made to:

 Habitat for Humanity, Oregon Humane Society and/or New Harvest Church (Salem).