Kathleen Marcia Nelson Ulrich

Kathleen Marcia Nelson Ulrich died peacefully on March 14, 2023, in Mesa, Arizona, at age 88. Kathy was born on August 16, 1934 in Wausau, Wisconsin. Her parents were Mable Edna Parker and Keith Willard Nelson. A few days before becoming principal of a Wisconsin grade school/high school, Keith had a major heart attack. He was advised he must move to Arizona for his health. Her family therefore came to Arizona on October 21, 1941, after traveling over the new Route 66.
Kathy grew up in Tolleson and Phoenix. She also lived with her grandparents in Wisconsin. Her father died on Valentine’s Day 1949. She attended North High and Phoenix Union High School, graduating from Phoenix Union in 1952.
Kathy married Ronald W. Stevens (deceased) in 1952 and later divorced. They had two children, Christine Stevens Smith (deceased) and Scott Randall Stevens Smith. She married David S. Smith (deceased) in 1960 and later divorced. They had one son, Kelly David Smith. She then married Paul G. Ulrich in 1982. They were married for more than 40 years, until her death.
Kathy had many careers. She was an insurance agent and had her own insurance agency. She began as a volunteer at the Golden Age nursing home in Scottsdale and became its activities coordinator. She then trained other activities coordinators, led the first activities coordinators association, and was called by the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare to write an activities coordinators manual for use nationally. She developed a community program, Vista Nueva, for the fragile elderly that received the Scottsdale Community Council’s Doc Dunham award. She also was one of the charter founding members of Hospice of the Valley.
Kathy went on to become the long-term care health planner for the Central Arizona Health Systems Agency. She then became the assistant to the Phoenix Municipal Court’s chief presiding judge, served as legal administrator for Paul G. Ulrich, P.C. for 27 years, and became a law office computer consultant. Kathy had many other personal interests, particularly in music, art, photography and poetry. She also was a professional weaver and knitter.
Kathy is survived by her husband Paul, her children and grandchildren. Her family and friends will miss her very much. There will be no services. Instead, read a good poem.