Kathleen was born the daughter of C.G. and Lola Malinda (Orr) Barnes in Cumming, Georgia on October 10, 1925. Kathleen graduated from Gainesville High School in Georgia, class of 1943. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Bob Jones University in South Carolina and moved to Michigan. Kathleen earned her teaching certification from Eastern Michigan University and taught elementary school in Troy for over 30 years impacting the lives of so many children. Kathleen was a past member of Bethesda Missionary Temple and a current member of Woodside Church in Troy.
Kathleen had unwavering faith in God which was her “still small voice” and the divine direction in her life. She was active in the church throughout her life. Kathleen found joy in sending so many beautiful letters of encouragement to family, friends, or anyone she met who needed uplifting.
Kathleen found her greatest purpose and reason for living in the privilege of raising her four daughters. She is survived by her daughters Kathie Joy Anderson, Karen Stachowiak, Keilene DeFillipi, and Karla Ruegsegger; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister Betty Gabriel; and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation and Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday January 11, 2024 from 9:30am until the service time at 11am at Pixley Funeral Home, located at 322 West University Drive, in downtown Rochester, Michigan.
Interment will be private at Christian Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
