Katherine R Best, loving mother of Mary Nebel of Flagstaff and a Peaks resident for the past 3 years, died in Flagstaff on May 9, 2011.

A long time member of the Boise, Idaho music community, Katherine came to Flagstaff after the death of her husband of sixty-six years, John H Best, professor emeritus, Boise State University. Katherine taught piano, played organ for church services, and accompanied countless young musicians. She and Jack produced several stage musicals, for Boise's Music Week. In Flagstaff, Katherine played for weekly Episcopal services at the Peaks.

Katherine and Jack enjoyed travel and spent time touring the United States, Central America and Europe as well as several months in Japan working with the famous educator, Shinichi Suzuki.

A member of the Boise Weaver's Guild, Katherine was an avid fiber artist, creating knitted and woven textiles. She had a life-long interest in reading, literature and ideas.

Katherine was also a member of the Episcopal Church, PEO, and Sigma Alpha Iota music sorority,

Katherine's legacy lives in her three daughters, Karen Clarke, violinist and professor; Margaret Wells, Orff educator and musician; and Mary Nebel, educator. She is survived by her daughters, their husbands, Dave Nebel (Mary), George Riordan (Karen), and Larry Wells (Margaret) and three grandchildren, Eric Nebel and Daniel Wells of Seattle and Catherine Bingle of Austin, TX.

A memorial service will be held March 14, 2 pm, at The Peaks. Katherine will be interred with her husband at Boise's Saint Michael's Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the John and Katherine Best Memorial Scholarship at Boise State University, or the American Heart Association.