Katharine (Katie) Marie Mullen-Hulford , 33, passed away at University of Colorado Hospital on Monday, November 28, 2011 after a 13 year long battle.

She was born in Cheyenne, WY on June 12, 1978 to David and Sara Mullen of Sheridan, WY. She was a devoted little sister to Melanie Asquith of Arvada, CO and big sister to Stephanie Keeth of Ferndale, WA. She generously shared her life, her room, her toys and her friends. Katie attended school in Rawlins and Cheyenne, WY and graduated high school in Sheridan in 1996.

She met the love of her life while working in a restaurant in high school. Friendship turned to love and she married Shawn Hulford in Sheridan, WY in August of 2001. It was the happiest day of her life.

In August of 1998, Katie began to fight for her life. She endured countless surgeries, procedures and tests. She spent all thirteen years undergoing dialysis at least 3 times a week. She coped with immeasurable pain that increased over the years. She spent extended periods of time in hospitals and care facilities. All this, she did without complaint. She was vigilant in her care and was her own biggest advocate. Katie's husband, Shawn, was truly her knight. He relentlessly cared for her and supported her through everything. She had a strong support system including her husband, parents, family, in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends. Her sister, Melanie, and her family graciously lent their time visiting Katie and their home hosting family in town to support Katie during her long stays and major events. Katie was so positive through all of it that she made friends with most of her caregivers right away. No matter what she was going through, she always put others before herself and felt empathy for others. As a recipient of many donated blood products, she realized the importance of organ, tissue and blood product donations and became an activist for the cause. She always appreciated the prayers and support that everybody extended to her.

She enjoyed her time as a member of the Casper Water Ski Club, fireworks on Alcova Lake and spending time with her family and friends (especially her nieces and nephews) playing games, embroidery and Sudoku puzzles.

Katie is preceded in death by her grandparents, Austin and Ruth Madison and Joseph and Frances Mullen.

She is survived by her husband Shawn, her parents, her sisters, nieces and nephews and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Memorial service will be 5:00pm on Saturday (Dec. 3rd) from Trinity Lutheran Church, Sheridan, WY with Pastor Phil Wold officiating.

Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

A memorial fund has been established for Katie at Wells Fargo Bank, Sheridan. Please contact Kathy Crump at (307) 675-2871.

SheridanMedia.com - December 1, 2011.