Kathy Jefferson Bancroft made her journey home January 25, 2026. Kathy was a fierce land defender and water protector. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and by her precious homelands.
These funds will help support Kathy’s family in covering memorial costs and other unforeseen expenses.
Services will be held in Lone Pine:
Cry Dance February 14th at the Lone Pine Paiute Tribe’s Wellness Center. Burial at the Lone Pine Indian Cemetery on February 15th followed by a Celebration of Life at the Lone Pine Tribe Gym. Time TBD.
A Tribute from the Owens Valley Indian Water Commission:
The Owens Valley Indian Water Commission mourns the passing of Kathy Jefferson Bancroft, who journeyed beyond yesterday after a lifetime devoted to protecting Payahuunadü and uplifting our people. Her loss is felt deeply across our homelands and among all who were moved by her courage, clarity, and unwavering commitment to truth.
Kathy was a water protector whose leadership helped safeguard the cultural resources of Patsiata (Owens Lake) and advance the long fight to return water to the lakebed. She worked tirelessly to ensure that Patsiata was recognized not as a resource to be managed, but as a living relative deserving of care and respect.
Kathy’s advocacy reached far beyond Lone Pine and across the valley. She stood unwavering in opposition to harmful mining projects, fiercely protected sacred places, and held agencies accountable to honoring the deep cultural relationships Paiute and Shoshone people have with this land. Over time, her voice became one of the most respected and trusted in regional conversations around land and water protection.
Kathy dedicated herself to supporting our youth, teaching them their history, their land, and their strength. She ensured the youth felt connected to their identity and responsibilities.
Her life was devoted to service to her Tribe, to Payahuunadü, and to future generations. She used her knowledge to protect what is sacred and her voice to demand accountability and respect.
The Owens Valley Indian Water Commission extends our deepest condolences to Kathy’s family, friends, and all who were touched by her leadership. We honor her memories by carrying her work forward with the same integrity and love she embodied every day.
May her journey be peaceful, may her teachings continue to guide us, and may her memory be for a blessing.
These funds will help support Kathy’s family in covering memorial costs and other unforeseen expenses.
Services will be held in Lone Pine:
Cry Dance February 14th at the Lone Pine Paiute Tribe’s Wellness Center. Burial at the Lone Pine Indian Cemetery on February 15th followed by a Celebration of Life at the Lone Pine Tribe Gym. Time TBD.
A Tribute from the Owens Valley Indian Water Commission:
The Owens Valley Indian Water Commission mourns the passing of Kathy Jefferson Bancroft, who journeyed beyond yesterday after a lifetime devoted to protecting Payahuunadü and uplifting our people. Her loss is felt deeply across our homelands and among all who were moved by her courage, clarity, and unwavering commitment to truth.
Kathy was a water protector whose leadership helped safeguard the cultural resources of Patsiata (Owens Lake) and advance the long fight to return water to the lakebed. She worked tirelessly to ensure that Patsiata was recognized not as a resource to be managed, but as a living relative deserving of care and respect.
Kathy’s advocacy reached far beyond Lone Pine and across the valley. She stood unwavering in opposition to harmful mining projects, fiercely protected sacred places, and held agencies accountable to honoring the deep cultural relationships Paiute and Shoshone people have with this land. Over time, her voice became one of the most respected and trusted in regional conversations around land and water protection.
Kathy dedicated herself to supporting our youth, teaching them their history, their land, and their strength. She ensured the youth felt connected to their identity and responsibilities.
Her life was devoted to service to her Tribe, to Payahuunadü, and to future generations. She used her knowledge to protect what is sacred and her voice to demand accountability and respect.
The Owens Valley Indian Water Commission extends our deepest condolences to Kathy’s family, friends, and all who were touched by her leadership. We honor her memories by carrying her work forward with the same integrity and love she embodied every day.
May her journey be peaceful, may her teachings continue to guide us, and may her memory be for a blessing.