Katherine A. Duarte

Katherine A Duarte 95, of Visalia passed from this earthly life into the arms of her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, the son of God, where she now has everlasting life. Katherine was born in Hanford, Ca on May 29, 1921 to Edward and Lydia Ida Ponce. She was the oldest of two sisters, Nettie Lugo (Deceased) and Bernice DeSantos (Deceased). Katherine attended school in Hanford, Ca and later married Arthur Duarte February 5, 1939. They farmed 1 year west of Hanford and then were able to purchase farm land in Visalia where she lived the remaining 76 years of her life. To this union were born two children, daughter Sylvia Montgomery and son Daniel Duarte. Katherine was a member of the Assembly of God churches since 1944. She lived her life as a housewife to her husband and family. She cooked many meals not only for her family but also hosted many ministers of the gospel from her church and ministers from Mexico whom would come to raise money for churches in their home land. Along with her husband, Katherine owned and operated El Rancho restaurant in the 1950’s where many enjoyed her cooking. Katherine not only enjoyed caring for her family, she raised many whom called her mom, Aunt Katherine and Grandma. In her younger years she raised chickens, white rabbits but she mostly loved her pet dogs, from Pekinese, to Poddles, to Yorkies and she leaves behind her baby Lucy a Dachshund. Another one of her favorite pastimes was trips to the ocean where she loved walking on the beach collecting shells. Her true passion was camping at Stoney Creek every summer with her daughter. Her last camp out with family was when she was 90 years young. She also took pleasure in gardening caring for her plants, flowers and feeding wild birds. Katherine’s main concern was that her loved ones would know God and have Jesus in their heart, so that one day we would all be reunited and have everlasting life together. Katherine was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Duarte and her grandsons Stephen Edwards and Joseph Montgomery. Katherine is survived by her daughter Sylvia Montgomery, of Visalia and son Daniel Duarte of Squaw Valley and one sister n law Louise Duarte, of Fresno. 4 Grandchildren Sabrina (Robert) Shahan, Edward (Stacey) Duarte, and Melanie (Rick) Moreno. 7 Great Grandchildren Meagan (James) Sanders, Stephen K Edwards, Salena Barnett, Zoey and Daniel Duarte and Vanden and Sloan Moreno. Numerous other grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and family friends. She loved them and SHE WAS LOVED BY THEM. Funeral services will be held Monday, June 13, 2016 at 10:30am at Salser & Dillard Chapel with burial following at the Visalia Public Cemetery. Special thanks to the nursing staff of 3 South for the compassionate care that was received while our loved one was in the hospital. Memorial donations may be made to Visalia First Assembly of God Building Fund.

Katherine A. Duarte

May 30, 1921 - June 5, 2016