Katherine Ann Root, age 71, of Byron passed away peacefully on Mon, May 31, 2021 at her home surrounded by her loving family and her beloved dog Jack. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Fri, Jun 4, 2021 at St Joseph Catholic Church, 9450 Duffield Rd, Gaines, MI 48436 with burial to follow at Byron Cemetery. Fr. Bill Wegher and Deacon Wayne Corrian will celebrate. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm on Thu, Jun 3, 2021 at the church with a Scripture Service and a time of sharing at 7 pm.
Kathy was born on Jul 1, 1949 in Byron to the late Ralph Emerson and Helen Marie (Davis) Nichols. She graduated from Byron High School and attended Central Michigan University. She married Richard “Rick” Root on May 23, 1969 in Byron and together they raised two children, Robert “Rob” and Shannon. Kathy devoted her life as a para-pro for the Michigan School for the Blind; she was so devoted to the children that they often became part of her family She loved to garden, plant anything that would grow, and watch the birds. She enjoyed crafting and making handmade cards for the holidays, she was sure to theme those cards around her faithful black lab, Jack. She loved time with her family at her cabin on Higgins Lake. She enjoyed time spent with her friends at happy hour, whether that was at the Moose Club, the Eagles Club, or at her house. Kathy was a recycler, if you needed something she had it, and if it could be reused or repurposed, she made it happen.
Kathy is survived by her son, Rob (Jennifer) Root, and her daughter, Shannon Root, her grandchildren, Sabrina (Bryan) Stevenson and Derek Root, also her great grandson, Cameron Michael. Her siblings, Jacqueline (Harry) Brown, of Greenbrier, AR, Chuck (Jan) Nichols of Miramar Beach, FL, and Keith (Diana) Nichols of Fairbanks, AK. She will also be remembered by many special friends.
Kathy was predeceased by her husband Richard Root on May 15, 2013, her sister Donna Kimmery, and her faithful companion, Jack.
Memorial contributions in Kathy’s name are suggested to the Byron FFA or any Shiawassee County FFA program, of the St Joseph Catholic Church or the Shiawassee Community Foundation, 217 N Washington St, Suite 104, PO Box 753, Owosso, MI 48867.
In lieu of fresh cut flowers, Kathy’s request was that you send plants of flowers and after Mass that you take them home and plant them in her memory.
Watkins Brothers Funeral Home