Kathleen “Kathy” Alpers Hadeler  July 19, 1943 – February 2, 2026

 

Kathleen “Kathy” Alpers Hadeler, a lifelong resident of Inyo County, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026, at the age of 83. Born and raised in California, Kathy spent all 83 years of her life rooted in the valley she loved.

 

The daughter of Bill Alpers, Kathy’s connection to the land began early at the Alpers Owens River Ranch. One of her most cherished memories was meeting her father for the first time at age two when he returned from World War II. As a child, she was already an entrepreneur, catching grasshoppers to sell to fishermen at their family’s ranch Alpers Owens River Ranch. Her true passion, however, was cattle. Starting with a single cow named Sara, Kathy built a formidable business, eventually managing 250 head of cattle that ranged from Fish Slough to the home ranch.

 

A gifted horsewoman, Kathy was the 1961 Bishop Homecoming Rodeo Queen and a member of the Bishopettes horse riding drill team. Over her lifetime, she owned more than 100 horses; her beloved grey mare, Miss King Ryan, famously took home the Grand Champion title at the Tri-County Fair. Her beauty and skill even landed her on the silver screen as a movie double for Linda Evans in Her Buttons and Bows.

 

Kathy’s commitment to her community was unwavering. She served as President and sponsor of CHSRA District 9 and followed in her father’s footsteps as a member of the Tri-County Fair Board. After years of working at the family ranch with her longtime friend Nancy McMurtrie and the El Rancho Motel, Kathy fulfilled a dream by purchasing Dusty’s Pets. Ownership allowed her to share her profound love for animals with everyone she met.

 

In her later years, Kathy’s greatest joy was her grandson, Jarid. She was his biggest fan, cheering him on through sports, mule shows, and his college journey. Though she spent five and a half years in acute care in Simi Valley, her legendary grit and determination brought her back home to the Owens Valley for her final years.

 

Kathy is survived by her brother Tim Alpers and sister-in-law Pam; her daughter Amanda (Mandy) Miloradich; and her “dearest-to-her-heart” grandson, Jarid Alpers. she also leaves behind her lifelong friends, the McMurtrie and Tex families; her kind neighbors, Diana and Linda Laird; and the many friends she made at the high school and the pet store.

 

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, February 14^th, 2026, at 1:00P.M., at the East Line Street Cemetery with Tim Alpers officiating.  A reception will follow the service at the Talman Building, where cake and refreshments will be provided. Friends and guests are welcome to bring a side dish to share in the celebration of Kathy’s life.

 

Brune Mortuary directing.