Kathryn Rich

Nonnie and Harbert Kuykendall had the best surprise of their life September 20, 1936, a baby girl. Nonnie Kathryn Kuykendall was the joy of their life; her daddy would always say it is good to have life in the house after this terrible depression. The two older children Curtis and Cecil had moved out to find work and the other two boys Harbert Jr. and Eugene were busy playing in the streets of Columbus, Georgia. They were just as excited to have someone new to love but, most of all they saw an opportunity to fully use their tricks and shenanigans on. This created a bond with her brothers for life. Some of Kathryn’s last words were "Have Harbert come and sing to me, he thinks he is the best singer." Kathryn took piano lessons and was determined those boys would not out-do her. When she came home to show off her new songs those boys set right down and played her music “by ear”. Gene picked up the guitar and Jr.would sing.They all soon learned that the three of them were a trio and a trio until the end. Her mother was an extreme homemaker and during that awful depression had every skill it took to keep the family filled with fresh food from her garden and milk from her cow. Now mama knew with this new mouth to feed she was going to need a few more resources. Since they lived in Columbus she had the idea to have the German War Brides board rooms from her. In exchange for rent they gave her material and thread they had brought with them. This thrilled mamma, she could make her little girl beautiful dresses. On Saturday Kathryn and her mother would walk downtown Columbus and look at dresses. By the end of the week a new frock sprang forth. Really, her mother was a tailor not just a seamstress. Kathryn’s father worked for the railroad which gave him one day a week of work. That was all they needed he said God will provide. During this time they learn to serve the Lord and others. This became their life’s mission. Soon the country was healing and daddy got a full time job with the railroad but they had to move from their beloved Columbus home. Leeds was the next city the Kuykendalls embraced. Kathryn came to Leeds with her mamma and brothers on the train. The Kuykendalls built a big white house in the country and left the city living behind. The younger boys joined the service and about that time they received news their older brother Curtis had been killed in the mines. Kathryn's nephew Carl, Curtis’ son, stayed many days and nights with Kathryn and she really has always thought of him as another brother. In 1952 Kathryn married John Earl Rich and they had three daughters; Debbie, Treasa, and Sonya. These girls had seven grandchildren, John, Stephen, Judd,, Matthew, Paul, Elizabeth, and Katie(Kathryn). Yes another Kathryn. Then there were great grandchildren, Jacob, Kate(Kathryn), Jack, Molly Jane, Sophia, Elise, Vivian, Brycen, and Tucker. Yes, there is another Kathryn. The sons-in-law Eddie Moore, Gary Meacham, and Gary Wells were always rated by what kind of food they brought to family functions. So therefore, any given time they could be number one, two or three. Kathryn was the last living Kuykendall from this brew of children but many traditions will hold strong.

Genesis 50:24 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”

But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God?

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at Kilgroe Funeral Home at 2:00PM with burial to follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 from 12 Noon until 2:00PM.

Visit online at www.kilgroefuneralhome.com

Kilgroe Funeral Home, Leeds directing.