Kathleen Rose Tierney, age 74, of North Platte unexpectedly passed away in the pasture with her beloved horses nearby.  Kathleen was born on January 20, 1951, in Denver, Colorado, to James Francis and Elizabeth Ann (Beszedes) Tierney.

Kathy grew up in Wheat Ridge, CO. As a child, she developed a passion for horses. When she was 13 she got her first horse, Honey, which she rode all over Wheat Ridge and Arvada. She went on to participate in competitive barrel racing and team roping. She had a lifelong devotion to horses.  As she got older, she pursued education, graduating from college with an accounting degree. She went on to have a successful career as a buyer for Nestle Purina. More than two decades later, she retired to her horse property in Nebraska. There she met the neighbors, Josh, Kristen, and Coy Corfield. They became more than neighbors, they were family.  Though horses consumed much of her attention, she was a multifaceted individual with a need for speed and love of fast cars. Her first car was a new, off-the-showroom-floor, '68 Dodge Charger with slicks! She also never stopped her desire to learn about the world, staying informed on current events with her eyes on the news and her nose constantly in books. Retirement provided her the opportunity to cook, garden, and volunteer. Invitations to come over were never declined due to the delicious food Kathy would prepare: red meat, strudel, cheesecakes, and paella were some of her specialties. Her strong will refused to be hidden and she constantly expressed herself during lively debates. All of these positive traits she passed along to her cherished daughter, Lindsay. They had an extremely close relationship. Until the end she was always very loving and doted on her daughter and favorite son-in-law, Eric.

Those left to cherish Kathleen's memory are her daughter Lindsay (Eric) Werre of South Dakota; brother Jimmy (Jane) Tierney of North Platte, Nebraska; sisters Emma Hutchins of Sequim, Washington and Ann Szucs of Glenwood Springs, Colorado; niece Becky Monaghan; nephews Jeff (Pam) Tierney and Ron Werth; and many other extended family members and friends whose lives she touched.

She is preceded in death by her parents James and Elizabeth; Grandma Beszedes who was like a second mother to her; sister Theresa (Kenny) Werth; and brother John Tierney. A private family service will be held at a later date. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family for future designation and sympathy cards can be sent to P.O. Box 397, Bruce, SD 57220.