Kathleen Crosby Ping

Kathleen Crosby Ping, 76, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, April 8, 2026 in Eagar, Arizona. Born on October 1, 1949 in Panguitch, Utah, to Arthur Glen Crosby and Beverly Roe Crosby, Kathy was a woman defined by her kindness, gentle spirit and unwavering faith.

 A devoted educator, Kathy spent her career shaping young minds and nurturing hearts in Thoreau, New Mexico. Whether serving as an elementary school teacher or later as a counselor, she had a rare gift for making every child feel important, valued and capable. Her dedication to her students and her various church callings left a lasting impact on countless families within her community. 

Beyond her professional life, Kathy’s kitchen was the heart of her home; a place of warmth, love and togetherness. She was legendary throughout Thoreau for her delicious cinnamon rolls and chocolate chip cookies. Kathy shared her love generously, using her baking to brighten the days of everyone around her. Above all, Kathy loved her family deeply and all those who cared for her. She maintained a remarkably positive attitude through life’s challenges and trials; rooted in a deep love for her husband and a strong spiritual foundation. 

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Beverly Crosby, her brothers, William Crosby and Robert (Tonja) Crosby, her sister, Gayleen (John) Burdick and her nephew, Jordan Roper. 

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Edward Ping, who cared for and loved her every day of their lives together, her children, Michele (Brian) Drake, Rachele (Dean) Ellsworth, Jason (Lesley) Ping, Rebecca (Casey) Wright, Cassandra (Josh) Ping, her brother, Stephen (Denise) Crosby, her sisters, Cherie (Kelly) Wood, Sharlene (Kiley) McCall and her sister-in-law, Maridon Crosby. She also leaves behind twelve beloved grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, Nakona, Bodhi and Sloane Eckhart, Paige, Riggs, Dusti, Talyn and Brynlee Ellsworth, Zach and Zoey Ping, Alexi and Anistynn Wright, Kameryn and Brooks Nuttall, Holly Fierro and a large extended family. 

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Eagar Stake Center, Eagar, Arizona. Cremation will take place at Aspen Meadows Crematory. 

Kathleen will be remembered for the profound care she showed to everyone she met and the sweetness she brought into the world.