Kathleen Louise Rollins' Obituary
Kathleen “Kathy”, (Kitten) Rollins of St. Petersburg, Fl, began her new journey on February 24, 2024 at the age of 81. Born in Charleston, West Virginia on December 11, 1942, to the late William and Mary-Jo Peery, Kathy graduated from South Charleston High School. Kathy married young to her high school sweetheart and the only love of her life, Robert "Ruby” Rollins. Married 53 years, they traveled in the mountains in their convertible, relaxed on cruises, laughed, played Mario Cart at home, and dedicated their whole lives to creating a wonderful family, whom they considered their greatest gift. To Kathy, all the world was her family and family was the most important thing to her. She was never too busy to listen, offer advice, or most importantly a hug and an “I love you”.
Kathy was a licensed real estate agent for over 40 years. She then transitioned to a Criminal Justice Specialist for the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, performing her duties to the public until her retirement in December of 2018.
When at home, she loved cooking amazing meals for family and friends that only she could master. Her recipe box remains a treasured and elusive legend to this day. Countless Christmas Eve dinners, and traditions she brought from her childhood in West Virginia were the staple of the family.
When “Bobby”, her beloved foundation began his journey to heaven, Kathy picked herself up, and started a new life. She made her own way, became financially independent, bought her own home, began a new career, and continued to travel and enjoy a hearty social life with her lifelong friends of Beta Sigma Phi, and new friends as well. Her travels, her friends, and her family were her life. Hers was a life of loving, giving, nurture and service. If Kathy were to comfort us, her words would be:
I’m in a different place now
And though we seem apart
I’m closer than I ever was,
I’m there inside your heart.
I’m with you when you greet each day
And while the sun shines bright
I’m there to share the sunsets, too
I’m with you every night.
I’m with you when the times are good
To share a laugh or two,
And if a tear should start to fall
I’ll still be there for you.
And when that day arrives
That we no longer are apart,
I’ll smile and hold you close to me,
Forever in my heart.
Kathy is survived by: Children; Cindy Gibson (husband Eric), William Rollins (wife Denise), Scott Rollins (wife Kendra), and Elaine Lanton
Siblings: Elizabeth Garrido (proceeded by death), Lynn Peery, Al Peery, Bobby Peery
Grandchildren: Makayla Gibson, Audrey Lanton, Courtnie Rivera (husband Steven), David Rollins, Joshua Rollins, Sabastian Rollins, and Daniel Rollins
Great-grandchildren: Giovanni Rivera, Caleb Rivera, Ava Rivera
A gathering for family and friends will be held at 10am on Friday, March 8, 2024 at Memorial Park Funeral Home with memorial service following at 11am.
What’s your fondest memory of Kathleen?
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Share a story where Kathleen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kathleen you’ll never forget.
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