Kathy Ann Ness

Kathy Ann Ness, loving known as “our Nana” and “The Nanameister” was born December 11, 1950 in Tacoma, Washington. Surrounded in love, her kitties and birdsong, she crossed the bridge of flowers into the Eternal beyond on October 26, 2023.

Nana was the second of five children raised by Jack and Eloise Marshall, she attended Mason Middle School and Wilson High school. She would never stop seeking knowledge. Her endlessly curious nature meant she never stop seeking knowledge. Her love of learning made her a lifelong student of Olympic College, taking classes in diverse subjects such as art, philosophy, writing, and anthropology.

Nana had many hats, throughout her life she was a bartender, restaurant consultant, Painting Contractor, Accomplished Artist, coffee shop owner not to mention wife, mother, grandmother, friend, guru, and spiritual adviser. She was an adventurer, traveling all over the world to explore spiritual aspects of enlightenment, joking that one day all we would find was a smoking pair of tennis shoes when she left the planet.

Few people know that Nana was a Peruvian Mountain Shaman, she loved guiding people to their highest potential. Generous with love and advice, she was always ready to hug you or kick you in the backside, whatever it was that you needed that day.

Our Nana always lovingly joked that she was an endangered species, she had a precocious wild spirit. Lover of nature from hummingbirds to Bigfoot, she found meditation and peace in the small beauties that surrounded her, sparkly wet dew drops on leaves, rays of sun peeking through the branches of her favorite maple tree, and full moonlight cast upon the evening grass. She cherished all the tiny bits of magic surrounding her. We move forward now with gratitude, knowing that her spirit is now part of the magical energy, enveloping us with her love.

Kathy is survived by her daughter Hannah Pirone of Port Orchard Washington; son in law David Spaulding Port Orchard Washington; grandson Braden Pirone of Port Orchard Washington; grandson Steven Spaulding of Gilbert Arizona; brother Bruce Marshall of Tacoma Washington; Brother Bob Marshall of Tacoma Washington; sister Jackie Marshall of Port Orchard Washington;

A celebratory fire ceremony will be held at Cedar Springs on June 2024, notice will be posted on the Rill Chapel Life Center website and updates will be shared as we get closer to the date. We are gathering stories, life experiences and prayers via email to make a small book to share at the celebration. If you are interested, please feel free to contact Hannah at hdtrees@gmail.com . All entries much be ready may March.

Kathy was the greatest of animal lovers and protectors. The family asks that in Lieu of flowers please consider a donation to your favorite animal charity or one of the following. Kitsap Human society, Onalaska Farm Sanctuary, Heartwood Haven farm sanctuary, Love at First Sight Sanctuary, just care animal rescue, Pasado’s Haven, Rabbit Haven, Little Hills Sanctuary, Northwest Great Dane Rescue, Bull Dog Haven NW, or any other amazing folks out there helping critters.

Special Thank you to Envision Hospice and the amazing folks at Rill Life Center. Thank you for all your help, compassion, and support through the emotionally difficult experience. Gratitude!