Remembering Baby Kathy

Newborn Baby Kathy

In September 2018, knowing that I would be solo in Los Angeles with some extra time on my hands (from the same trip as this post when I visited the grave of Ralph's older brother, Johnny), I determined there was no better time to visit the resting place of Ralph and Ella's 4th child, Katherine Juanita Mitchell. She was affectionately known as "Kathy."

Little Kathy was born on October 29, 1958, and she was named after both of her grandmothers: "Katherine" being Ella's mother and "Juanita" being Ralph's. She was beloved! Tragically, she passed away from pneumonia at just almost 7 weeks old, on December 15, 1958.

Kathy is buried at Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.(1) At the time of Kathy's death, Ralph, Ella, their other 3 young children were living in Long Beach, California. 

Green Hills Memorial Park

I've always felt a special connection to Kathy, as I was named after her, and mom BR has a closeness to her as well. 

Kathy's Birth Announcement

Ella's Handwriting

Prior to arriving at the cemetery, I bought flowers to lay at the grave - a bouquet of white Baby's Breath. I stopped at the florist onsite to purchase white ribbon to tie it with. 

I had previously made an appointment with an attendant at the office, who had maps prepared for me and escorted me to the gravesite. I was so appreciative as it's quite a large cemetery. 

Little Kathy is buried in a special section of the cemetery, on a hill overlooking the surrounding area, in a heart-shaped area designated as "Baby Land." Sweet, but also heart breaking, this section is dedicated for little children. As I walked along searching for Kathy's grave, I saw so many plaques for little tiny infants. My heart ached for all the families. 

My escort to the plot brought spray cleaners and cloth with him, with which he polished the grave. It felt like an honor to be able to do so. And after my escort left, I then sat there beside the grave, sitting still. I was touched by the beauty of this location. I was saddened that family no longer lives close to this location to visit, though Mom BR remembers visiting the grave while they still lived in southern California.

Also buried in this cemetery is Ralph's step-brother, Lester Earl Johnson, and his wife Mary Ellen Johnson. They are buried not far from Kathy, so we took the chance to polish their stone as well. 

Map of Green Hills Memorial Park. Baby Land and Summit Lawn highlighted.

Location of Baby Kathy's grave - Plot 92, Grave C in Babyland

Location of Lester Earl Johnson's grave - Plot 490, Grave B

Sources:

1. Green Hills Memorial is located at 27501 South Western Avenue, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. Kathy is buried in "Baby Land," Plot 92, Grave C.