Katherine Breckenridge Austin passed away at her home in Schurz after a lenghty illness on Friday morning, March 19, 2010. She was 63.

Katherine was born in Schurz on November 4, 1946 the daughter of Nina Breckenridge. As a young girl she attended Schurz Elementary School then went to school and graduated from Stewart Indian School. In 1966 she met her ex-husband, Ken Austin and moved to Lovelock with him and started their family. Then in 1983 she moved back to Schurz where she spent the rest of her life. Katherine kept busy by watching her grandchildren and doing bead work. She made many beautiful handicrafts for everyone around Nevada. Her passing was unexpected and she will be greatly missed. She was a wonderful Mother, Grandmother and loved her grandchildren with all her heart. She was a member of the Walker River Paiute Tribe.

Katherine is survived by her sister, Eunice Conway of Yerington; her daughters, Tracey Austin of Schurz, Melinda Austin of Lovelock; son, Vinny Austin of Schurz, her ex-husband, Ken of Lovelock; her granddaughters, Marissa and Chelsea Thomas, Ashley Austin; grandsons, Kenneth, Vincent and Dean Austin; great grandaughters, Shania and LeAnndra Thomas; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

A Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 24th, 6 - 8pm, at the Freitas Rupracht Funeral Home 25 Hwy 208 Yerington. Funeral service will be held 11:00 am Thursday, March 25th at the Walker River Tribal Gym with burial to follow at the Schurz Cemetery.

Family and Friends are invited to sign the online guest book or order flowers at www.FRFH.net.

Arrangements under the direction of Freitas Rupracht Funeral Home, Yerington (775) 463-2911