🎭 October Cover Story: Heidi and Stephen Gaither - Together on Life's Stage

The October 2025 cover story features the married couple, Heidi and Stephen Gaither. Their relationship began as a friendship on the blacktop of Stearns Elementary School in the 1st grade, eventually blossoming into romance and marriage in 2009, making them life partners for over 16 years of marriage and 30+ years of friendship.

Family and Home Life 🏡

• Chosen Family: The couple chose to define their story by love rather than loss after facing unexpected challenges with infertility. They nurture deep relationships with their nephews, godchildren, and younger family members, acting as guides and cheerleaders.

• Golden Birthday Tradition: They invite each of the kids in their chosen family on a trip for their "golden birthday," which is the year their age matches the day of the month their birthday falls on.

• The Menagerie: Their house is shared with three dogs (Georgie the Corgi, Frankie Beans, and Winston the Wise), one tabby cat (Sookie Peaches), and a chameleon (Yoshi). They also keep twelve chickens that provide a steady supply of fresh, rainbow-colored eggs.

Passions and Adventures ✈️

• Theater and Travel: Broadway shows are a shared passion, and they often plan their travels around theater seasons.

• Travel Traditions: They love road trips, exploring historic towns, and discovering culinary gems. Annually since 2022, they attend the Boysenberry Festival at Knott's Berry Farm.

• Culinary Connoisseurs: They are self-proclaimed Eggs Benedict connoisseurs and hunt down the best dish in every city they visit.

Community Leadership and Youth Support 🌟

The Gaithers are deeply committed to their community through their professional and civic work.

• Heidi Gaither's Role: Heidi is the Director of Developmental Disability Services for Klamath County.

  • Trunk or Treat: In 2021, Heidi launched the community-wide "Trunk or Treat" event, designed for full access and participation regardless of age, ability, or background. The event now sees more than 5,000 attendees annually.

  • Recognition: In 2024, she was named the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce "Inspiring Leader of the Year," and she won the local "Dancing with Your Klamath Stars" competition.

  • Nonprofit Work: She also advocates for literacy with the SMART Reading Leadership Council and champions women's advancement as a board member of the Women's Scholarship Foundation of Klamath County.

• Stephen Gaither's Role: Stephen serves as the paralegal for the Klamath County Counsel's Office.

  • Nonprofit Work: He supports regional performing arts by serving on the Ross Ragland Board of Directors.

We sincerely thank the Gaither family for sharing their inspirational journey and for their incredible dedication to building a stronger, more inclusive community. Local residents should be sure to keep an eye out for this wonderful October issue of Klamath Living magazine featuring this fantastic family that is doing so much good work to support the local youth and community members!