Kathryn Leigh Miller Blackwell, 55, peacefully left this world on February 20, 2025, in loving care at the S. Mitchell Mack Hospice House of Mooresville, N.C. Kathryn was born on October 7, 1969, in Cleveland, Ohio, and is the daughter of Andrew and Kathleen Miller.

Growing up in northeastern Ohio, Kathryn was better known to her family and friends as Katie and to some as Kate. As Katie matured, became a wife, and mother of four children, she also adopted the names Kathy or Kath, just like her mother. And, to her grandchildren, she was best known as their Grandma Goody. Regardless of the name she went by, Katie was known as being independent, fiercely loving, and the kind of person who worked tirelessly to express kindness toward everyone around her. Katie’s mere presence and compassionate spirit for others helped to build or maintain bridges across family and friends.

As the only daughter in a family full of boys, Katie held her own, embracing her full personality and strengths from an early age. Katie would marry soon after high school and spend several years living abroad in Germany as a dedicated military spouse, supporting her husband’s career and the troops during wartime. While stationed in Germany, she traveled through all of Europe before returning home to the United States to continue raising her children into adulthood.

Katie understood the importance of a loving family and demonstrated this by being the rock for hers through it all. It was a chance move to Washington state where Katie ultimately found the true love of her life, Edward Blackwell. Ed fondly recalled the exact moment Katie told him they were going to marry in three days—and that’s exactly what happened, becoming a classic Katie moment.

Katie will always be known to her family as their matriarch and as a dedicated mother and grandmother who delighted in spoiling children with love. Katie enjoyed cooking for others, a passion she inherited from her own mother and fully embraced as a wife and mother herself. Katie is fondly remembered for her elaborate German and Spanish cuisines, which she passed down to her children, instilling in them that same passion for cooking. As a mother, daughter, and sister, Katie is especially remembered for her witty sense of humor—albeit wicked and downright naughty at times.

But the best parts of Katie would come out in private whenever someone was suffering or struggling to cope with life’s challenges. Katie would always be the first to reach out, offering her love and compassion to support their needs, even if she was working to manage her own difficulties. Katie’s kindness and selfless love for others was simple yet profound—she loved without hesitation, always prioritizing the well-being of those around her.

“For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.” (1 John 3:11)

After decades of moves and travels across the world, Katie, with her family in tow from Lynnwood, Wash., moved across country one last time to Hickory, N.C., to be with and lovingly care for her mother.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her mother, Kathleen Miller, and her brother, Patrick Miller.

Kathryn is survived by her husband of nearly 30 years, Edward Blackwell; her four children, Joshua Alvarez and his wife Katelyn of Bedford Heights, Ohio; Daniella Alvarez of Troutman, N.C.; Matthew Alvarez of Charlotte, N.C.; and Olivia Blackwell of Troutman, N.C. Kathryn is also survived by her father, Andrew Miller; her brother, Michael Miller of Colorado Springs, Colo.; her brother, Todd Miller of Hickory, N.C.; her brother, Brian Miller, and his wife Shelly of Granville, Ohio; and her five grandchildren whom she loved dearly.

In lieu of a funeral or family gathering, Katie requested that those who read this message give a loving hug or simple embrace to their family while telling them how much they truly mean to them.

Kate, you were truly a force to be reckoned with! Until we meet again with mom, Pat, and all our loved ones in heaven, we will miss you terribly.

“He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.’ ” (Mark 5:34)

Rutledge & Bigham Funeral Home is serving the family.