Catherine Elizabeth Caskey

Catherine Caskey, also affectionately known as Bugga by her grandchildren, died of lung cancer on February 14th, 2025. She was at home with her family at her bedside after only one day on hospice. The brevity of time between her decision to stop treatment and her death was a true Cathy move. She made decisions and moved on! In her own words, she was "content and ready". Her strong faith and stubborn spirit sustained her during her brief illness. Cathy was born on February 28th, 1949 to George and Katie Ahler. At five years old, her family moved to Visalia. Early on she found a love for horses. As a teenager, she acquired a burro named Ginger and it's reported that Ginger was a part of mom's dowry when she and dad married. She had a varied life as a young horsewoman which included training Shetland ponies, Thoroughbred race horses, and riding Quarter horses. She is survived by her loving husband Kevin, daughters Jennifer Hayward (Gary), Erin Bishop (Ben); and grandchildren Katelyn, Zane, and Alyce Hayward and Madison, Lucy, and Grace Bishop. She loved her children and grandchildren and spent so much time making memories. Whether it was a trip to the beach or mountains, midnight rides, or picking up the kids from school in the horse and buggy. She was a 4-H leader for 20+ years, volunteered to teach at her church, ran the PTA at Elbow Creek, volunteered at the school library and voting polls, and most recently was the secretary for the Back Country Horsemen High Sierra Unit. She loved everything animal. She had so many loyal dogs, favorite horses, and a "goat and pony" show. We could tell you stories about turkeys, goats, and a pony being hauled around in her favorite tan van! She would have bought a llama if dad would have agreed! Her favorite thing in the world was to share her horse knowledge with others. She always said that God sent her horses and people who needed her and she quite possibly needed them too. She loved riding anywhere and everywhere; in Drum Valley, in the mountains, or at the beach. We pray she is riding again in Heaven! This quote from our favorite poem sums her up best. I want to go out as I lived, Reminded of what I love, So leave my boots on and don't mind the mud, And bury me with hay in my pockets. In lieu of flowers....mom didn't care for them much, donations can be made in her name to the following. High Sierra Unit of Back Country Horsemen of California c/o Dan Baumgardner, PO Box 6632, Visalia, CA 93290 Or Happy Trails Riding Academy Attn: Leslie Gardner, PO Box 572, Visalia, CA 93279 Visitation will be held 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Wednesday, February 26th, 2025 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Rosary will follow at 6:00 PM. Memorial Mass services will be held 12:00 PM Thursday, February 27th, 2025 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 608 N. Church Street, Visalia. Reception services will be held 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Thursday, February 27th, 2025 at Salser & Dillard Life Event Center, 135 E Caldwell Ave, Visalia. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Catherine Elizabeth Caskey

February 28, 1949 - February 14, 2025