Kathryn Kelso Obituary

Kelso

Kathryn Ellen

Kelso

September 27, 1938

July 17, 2021



Colorado lost one of its finest watercolor artists with the passing of Kathryn Ellen Kelso at her home on July 17, 2021, after a long illness, at the age of 82. Her husband of 62 years Robert L. Kelso, Lt Col USAF (ret.) was at her side, assisted by Compassus Hospice.

She was born on September 27, 1938 in Newark, New Jersey. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Amelia Briden, and her brother John Briden. She is survived by her sister, Mary Grace Neuhaus (Butch), as well three children, Sharon Simon (Kim), Robert Kelso (Lina), and Steven Kelso (Erin); seven grandchildren, Christine Coder (Jason), Shauna Hetherington, Steven Hetherington, Rachael Simon, Alexander Kelso, Sarah Kelso, and Mia Kelso; and two great-grandchildren, Claire Coder and Sarah Coder.

Kathryn received a firm grounding in fine art at Arts High School in Newark, New Jersey, as well as at Montclair State University in Montclair, New Jersey. She then married Robert in 1959 to become an Air Force wife and mother of three children, a considerable challenge in the 60's and 70's. She was also very active in Holy Apostles Catholic Church, making and Installing beautiful church decorations with other artistically-inclined people.

Upon Robert's retirement from the military, she embarked on her own career as a successful watercolor artist. She was a founding member of the Chromatic Edge art group, a signature member of the Pikes Peak Watercolor Society, a signature member of the Foothills Art Center in Golden, Colorado, and a signature member of the Colorado Watercolor Society. Her paintings have been widely exhibited and have won many prizes and awards.

Her home studio bears the following inscription*:



"While you live I cannot die;

If we but touch our souls draw nigh;

Without your voice I cannot hear;

My work is naught without your eye.

This is the Tao, the ancient holy way,

That teaches why it is okay,

That I should have the fun

And you should pay."



*Borrowed from a window display at the Torpedo Factory, Alexandria, Virginia

Services for Kathryn will be held at St. Paul's Community Church in Lakewood, Colorado at a time to be determined. Burial will be at Fort Logan National Cemetery, also on a date and time to be determined. Arrangements are being handled by Swan-Law Funeral Directors in Colorado Springs.

She will be missed.