Katrina M. Nash
1981-1996
Home with her Heavenly Father
March 7, 2005
Dear family and friends,
As many of you know, our beautiful daughter, Katrina (Nash), who has been missing since June 18, 1996, at the age of 15, was found a week ago, on February 27, 2005, in a swampy desolate area of a local undeveloped park. We are relieved that she has been with our Heavenly Father all these years.
Because of the length of time her body has been exposed to the elements, the police have not been able to make a determination as to the cause of death or just when it took place. We choose to believe that the end came quickly for her; that Heavenly Father took her quickly, wrapped her in his arms and soothed away all hurt and terror that she might have suffered. Heavenly Father knows who is responsible for her death and justice is his. We anticipate a wonderful reunion with her after this life on earth.
We are so thankful for each one of you who has searched, prayed and supported our family through the many years. We have received so many calls, visits, flowers and other gifts that we are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love we have received, especially this last week.
May Heavenly Father bless all of us in our continuing efforts to love and assist each other so we will be able to survive the difficult trials and tribulations that we may encounter in this journey through life.
Katrina's funeral will be on March 12, 2005, at 1:00 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 3800 Henderson Blvd, Olympia, WA. She will then be buried at the Masonic Memorial Park at 455 North St, in Tumwater, WA, just about a mile from the church. You are welcome to join us.
On Wednesday you should be able to read her obituary on the website www.funeralalternatives.org. If you are not able to access it, let us know and we will send you a copy.
This gives us a lot of comfort regarding Katrina's last hours.
Vaughn J. Featherstone, The Incomparable Christ, Our Master and Model p. 9 & 10
"Some years ago I was invited to speak at the funeral service for Rachael Runyan, a beautiful, blonde-haired, blue-eyed girl. I believe she was three or four years old. She had been kidnapped, and the entire nation was incensed at this act of horror as they sympathized with the anguished parents. Weeks later her body was found partially buried on a creek bank. She had been violated and must have been terrified beyond anything we can imagine for one so innocent and young.
I read and studied to prepare a funeral sermon, but I could not find anything that I thought could bring comfort to the parents, who must have trembled at thoughts of the horrific indignities suffered by this sweet little innocent soul. The day of the funeral I went to my office early and knelt in solitude. I pled with the Lord that I might be able to say something that would bring peace to two wonderful, innocent parents who had suffered more than anyone ought to suffer. Then I sat at my desk and began to write. The pen raced across the page sentence after sentence. In essence, I explained at the funeral that as soon as that sweet little soul had passed through the veil, she would have been cradled in the arms of a loving Father in Heaven. With one caress He could remove every horror, every terror, every indignity as though it had never happened.
I then explained that if God could do that on the other side of the veil, I was convinced that He could do the same on this side of the veil for Rachael’s parents. They could know that their innocent, sweet little daughter was totally healed. They need not carry the burden of hate, vengeance, anger, and bitterness that cankers the soul. According to the supreme goodness of God, they could leave justice to Him. Justice is beautiful and will be satisfied. Nothing shall be left undone.
So, dear friends, please take comfort in this thought and know that I have found great peace in the promises of the Gospel. And, remember that "Gospel" means "Good News" and that good news is that the Savior came and died for us, was resurrected for us, and opened the door for all of us to come home. How we get there is not important!
By President Vaughn J. Featherstone
Many people have asked how they can honor Katrina's memory. We have worked with a wonderful non-profit group called Team HOPE. It is an organization that provides help, support, and resources for families who have a missing child. It is a part of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. I (Dottie) have been a volunteer with them since 2000. Following is information on how to make a donation if you should be interested.
With love,
David and Dottie Nash and family
From Abby Potash
Team HOPE
310 Pensdale Street
Philadelphia, Pa 19128
866-305-4673
http://www.teamhope.org
Team HOPE, a program of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, is a peer support network for families with missing children. Established in 1998, Team HOPE matches searching families with experienced and trained volunteers who have had or still have a missing child. Volunteers speak from firsthand experience offering emotional support, compassion, guidance and empowerment. Courageous and empathetic volunteers have demonstrated their ability to turn their personal tragedies into vital lifelines of support for other families. Dottie Nash has been a dedicated volunteer since June 2000 and has assisted over 50 families with missing children.
You may make a donation to Team HOPE via credit card or pledge by telephone at 1-866-411-KIDS (1-866-411-5437) toll-free between 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. (EST.)
Or make a contribution by mailing it to:
Team HOPE/NCMEC
Charles B. Wang International Children's Building
699 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-3175
Dear Friends,
On June 18, 1996, our daughter, Katrina Marie Nash disappeared from a local
hospital. She was having medical problems and was in the hospital for an
evaluation. Katrina was admitted to the emergency room. A hospital employee
asked me to speak with her in another room. We spoke for 10-15 minutes.
When the hospital employee went back to speak with Katrina, Katrina was not
in her room. None of the nurses or hospital staff saw her leave.
Katrina was an honor student, member of the Timberline High School dance
team, and freshman class secretary. Since her disappearance, we have not
heard a word from Katrina nor from anyone who knows where she is.
Katrina is a wonderful daughter. She is an accomplished pianist and was
active in drama and musical programs for the eight years before her
disappearance. She was active in our community and church. None of her
friends, teachers or family members can give any reason why she would leave
voluntarily.
Katrina had no purse, money, ID, or driver’s license with her. She had no
access to a car. Katrina loved small children and was very good with them.
She was tiny and looked a couple of years younger than her actual age. She
dressed conservatively and ate a healthy diet.
Please contact us if you have any idea about her whereabouts.
Sincerely,
David and Dottie Nash and Family
Mom & Dad's 25th Anniversary
July 1996
Dear Katrina,
We are concerned about what is happening to you. Do you have shelter, warm clothing, and food to eat? It is going on two years now and we have not heard from you. What is happening in your life? How can we help you? Our family parties are not the same without you. Emma is growing up and will have a sister or brother in April. Please leave us a message.
Lots of Love Always.
Mom, Dad and Family
February 20, 1998
Updated letter from Katrina's Parents~ November 1999
Dear Katrina,
We love you so much. We include you in our prayers every day. Our family is
not the same without you. What is happening in your life? How can we help
you? What do you need? Please contact us and let us know how you are.
We’re here for you.
Sean and Amy have another little girl, Hannah, to keep Emma company. Hannah
is a year old already. You would love her, too. She is a lot of fun. We
hope to have a family reunion in the year 2000 and would like you to be
included.
Lots of love always,
Mom, Dad and all the Family
Updated letter from Katrina's Parents~ Christmas 2000
When Will See You Again?
Dear Katrina,
It has been over four and one-half years since you disappeared.
You will soon be twenty.
Time goes on for others, but our time has stopped.
Words cannot explain the total devastation of our world.
You were the ninth child in our family,
Fair haired, blue sparkling eyes, and multi-talented.
We enjoyed the beautiful music you played,
The poems and stories you wrote,
Your kind and loving heart.
You played Tinkerbell in Peter Pan.
Now you have gone to Never-Never Land,
Where, we cannot follow.
By the time you came along, we were older and
Not so involved in “making our mark” on the world.
We had the time and money to encourage you to reach for the stars and
Enjoyed watching you do so.
You were so loving and sensitive to all members of the family,
Especially to your sister, Bronwyn.
Life goes on.
Your friends all graduated from high school.
Many are going to college and getting married.
Every time we see a petite young lady with long blonde hair go by,
Our heart stops and our eyes fill with tears.
When will we see you again?
Love, Mom and Dad
Christmas 2000
"Think Of Me"
from Phantom of the Opera
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