Kathleen Herington

Kathleen “Kathy” Herington, age 77, of East Grand Forks, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, August 21, 2026.

Kathleen Susan Morley was born on December 1, 1948, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to William and Elizabeth (Johnston) Morley. She grew up in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and attended St. James High School. Kathy went on to earn her teaching degree and spent time teaching in Special Education programs in Missouri before returning to her hometown, where she met the love of her life.

In March of 1984, Kathy met Jerome Herington. They were married on September 7, 1984, at Central Park in Grand Forks and made their home together in East Grand Forks.

After teaching, Kathy began a new chapter in her working life as a bus driver for the City of Grand Forks, a career she continued until her retirement. She made history as the first female bus driver for the City of Grand Forks, something she was incredibly proud of. It was an accomplishment that suited Kathy perfectly—she was independent, capable, determined, and never afraid to pave her own way. She went on to spend 22 years behind the wheel, and her years as a city bus driver became an important part of the life she built.

Kathy had a lifelong love for animals. She adored her beautiful Persian cats and proudly showed them at cat shows. She kept tanks of exotic fish and cared for dogs and many other pets throughout the years. Her love of living things extended to plants as well. She had an incredible green thumb and took great pride in caring for her plants at home.

Kathy also had a creative and giving side. She enjoyed knitting and made handmade prayer shawls that she donated to churches throughout the area. Her caring nature also led her to volunteer at Altru. She enjoyed shopping, listening to the Beach Boys, and was especially proud of her red Corvette.

But of everything in Kathy's life, her family meant the most to her. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and treasured the memories they made together. Whether traveling to Florida and Texas or simply spending time closer to home, some of her happiest moments were those spent with the people she loved. Her family will cherish the memories they built together throughout the years.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Jerome Herington; children, Laura (Sean Kehoe) McDonald, Brian Wood (April Hegdahl), and Danielle (Scott) Kleppe; grandchildren, Brett, Zachary, Cody, Caleb, Charlotte, Levi, and Theodore; great-grandchildren, Ava Grace and Colby; and brothers, Bill Morley, Jim Morley, Paul Morley, and Mike Morley.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Betty Morley; brother, Pat Morley; and infant sister, Maria Elizabeth Morley.

Kathy leaves behind a family who will miss her deeply, remember her strong spirit, and smile at the many memories of the woman who was, above all else, simply Kathy.

MEMORIAL SERVICE is 2:00pm on Friday, September 11, 2026 at Dahl Funeral Home, 2029 Central Avenue NW, East Grand Forks, Minnesota, with VISITATION one hour prior.