Kathy L. Brooks

Kathy Brooks was born in San Francisco, California, in 1949. Her father Dwight Herrington was a CMSgt in the Air Force who last served as Wing Sergeant Major at Luke AFB. He served as a Chief Warrant Officer in the Army during WWII where he met her mother. Her mother Lucille Herrington was a WWII Army Lieutenant Nurse stationed at an Army hospital in England and became a Federal civil service nurse. Lucille served in the base hospitals where Dad was stationed.

Because her family was stationed twice in Arizona, Kathy ended up making Phoenix her home. She grew up following her older sister Norma around wherever she went. Later she drove her little sister Nancy and friends around. She loved choir and plays. And, in her Kansas high school she participated in a business club, even serving as president of her school’s chapter.

Kathy began her career around 1975 at Transamerica Title. She was an escrow officer and a successful branch manager. She also trained many escrow officers in the Valley throughout the years.

She worked at Security Title and retired from Grand Canyon Title Agency in 2015. She was proudest of the account she secured with Habitat for Humanity in Arizona. She loved the stories of the families and shared in their joy at the closings of their homes. Working with Habitat for Humanity was such a joy that she continued to work with them after her retirement through Pioneer Title. She just could not give it up.

One of her friends who worked with her said, “Kathy was always respected by her fellow employees and others throughout the industry. Always the ultimate professional she was a pleasure to deal with for her clients and all those who became her friends.”

The love of her life was Ron. They were devoted to one another for almost 50 years. He taught her all about horses. She became a barrel racer complete with kneepads and competed in gymkhanas. From her marriage to Ron, Kathy enjoyed a bonus family. Kathy’s step-daughter Sandy became a daughter and friend to her. Sandy’s children and grandchildren became her own. She doted on them with love and encouragement. Besides loving on their grandchildren, Ron and Kathy enjoyed antiquing, playing with their poodles, cheering for the Suns, and visiting the Bearizona wildlife park. Kathy enjoyed creating recipes at home that matched food she had had at a restaurant. She always had her make up on and her nails done even as she was bedridden her last year.

Kathy was an encourager. She always found something positive to say about you. People on the phone who helped her solve problems became her new best friends. She persevered through many physical challenges through the years. However, she loved others well, putting their needs before her own.

The last two years of her life in San Antonio, she learned to Zoom into her group in Bible Study Fellowship. She made new friends. She loved learning about the Bible and telling people what she had learned. And, if you hadn’t watched The Chosen, she wanted you to know all about it.

She will be missed by her sisters Norma L. Herrington Sturdivant, Nancy L. Herrington, and Patty Rubke (a family best friend and considered the 4th sister); her nephew Bobby Bracken, her great-nephew Jake Bracken; her daughter Sandy, and her grandchildren Brandon, Ryan, Joey, Dusty, Logan and Taryn, and great-grandchildren. Her Herrington cousins in Alabama and Litzinger cousin in California. And, by all the friends she made throughout her life.

Kathy was kind all the time. We can all be a little more kind like Kathy. As you face daily challenges, think of Kathy and try to be “Kathy kind.”

Well done, good and faithful servant.

The family has requested donations in Kathy’s honor to any of her favorite charities in lieu of flowers.

Habitat for Humanity - habitatcaz.org

Bible Study Fellowship, 19001 Huebner Road, San Antonio, Texas 78258 or bsfinternational.org/support

Or any military veteran non-profit.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunlandmemorial.com for the Brooks family.