Katherine Tullar Obituary

Katherine Celeste Tullar

October 21, 1985 - December 13, 2024

After a lengthy stay in the hospital, Kate was sent home to be with her dogs, her partner, her mother, brother, and friends. They reassured her that she was loved as she rested peacefully. After five days at home in the presence of her partner, mother, and dogs, Kate passed away during the early morning hours on December 13, 2024.

Kate grew up in Tucson, Arizona. She loved the desert and the magnificent saguaro cacti that grow there. Growing up, she was surrounded by the local Latino culture and as a result became very fluent in the Spanish language and Latino culture. As an "Arizona Wildcats" fan she would proclaim "Bear Down" to others when she recognized them as fellow fans. She would watch the games and have lengthy calls to her father Richard Tullar back in Arizona about the games and the players. She had a special bond with her mother. They chatted and laughed on the phone every day.

Kate attended Salpointe Catholic High School in Tucson, the University of Arizona, and Case Western Reserve University in Ohio studying English/Art History maintaining a 4.0+ GPA throughout her academic career.

Kate loved books, she read and owned thousands of books. One of her favorite places in Napa was the "Napa Bookmine." After visiting, she would almost always find herself coming home with new books. Her partner Ben built a floor to ceiling bookshelf for her where she would spend hours organizing and reading her books.

In 2008, Kate attended The Court of Master Sommeliers in New Orleans where she became a Certified Sommelier. She then went back to Tucson where she managed the Michelin Starred restaurant, the Ventana Room, until their closing in 2009. Kate traveled to Napa where she worked at several wineries including Raymond Winery, Black Bird Winery, and James Cole Winery. Her positions varied from manager and assistant manager to wine educator/server. She loved people and had a great talent for telling stories, making people smile and laugh, and of course, selling wine.

Kate loved playing cribbage. She was taught how to play at a very young age by her father. She and her partner Ben would spend many evenings playing. She deemed herself as a formidable opponent.

Kate enjoyed watching cooking competitions on T.V. and has followed many of the great chefs of the world. Kate's favorite chef was Jose Andres, founder of "World Central Kitchen." Kate absolutely admired Chef Jose Andres who has volunteered his time, money, resources, and cooking skills to feed people in need all over the world. She often remarked how she felt Chef Andres should receive a Nobel Prize.

Kate was preceded in death by her adopted brother Fernando, and her father Richard Tullar. Kate is survived by her partner Ben Donner, her mother Elizabeth Tullar of Tucson, her brother Tim Tullar of Denver, her niece & nephew Olympia & Mateo of Denver along with several aunts and uncles, and many close friends.

Kate was always the first to offer help to someone in need. Kate's love for life, love for dogs, her laughter and smile are missed and always will be.Those that knew her became better people as a result.

In remembrance of Kate, it would be a great honor to her, if you are able, to donate to "World Central Kitchen." https:/www.wck.org