Kathryn Ruth Rosenau

In Loving Memory of Kathryn Rosenau November 24, 1932 – October 16, 2019 Kathryn Ruth Rosenau, a beloved wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, was a lively and spirited woman whose presence could light up any room. Full of energy, charm, and a fiery enthusiasm for life, she left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her life was shaped by love, resilience, and a deep sense of independence. Kay’s early years were filled with the admiration of her father and the companionship of the animals she grew so close to. She cared for the animals with the same boundless energy and love she received from her father. One of Kay’s greatest childhood memories was driving her father’s truck around the property to bring refreshments to the family’s farming team. This task filled her with a sense of purpose and pride, and her love for trucks would continue throughout her life, becoming a symbol of her independence and strength. Kay developed a special connection to many of the farm animals, often adopting them as pets and bringing them back home to share in her world. It was on the family land where Kay’s spirited personality truly blossomed. Her father, Ralph, made sure she understood her worth. Raised with love and care, he also nurtured her independence and taught her the importance of standing on her own two feet. From a young age, Kay learned that she was not meant to be dependent on anyone else. Ralph’s guidance instilled in her a deep confidence and self-reliance that would define the rest of her life and shape the remarkable woman she became. Kay always appreciated Ralph and Sylvia’s thoughtful reminders to bring her change purse before heading out. If she ever forgot, they made sure it was ready, ensuring she could make a phone call home if needed. Their care and attentiveness gave her both freedom and security as she navigated life. While they trusted her independence, they always kept a watchful eye, waiting by the phone until she returned home. These lessons of love, responsibility, and care stayed with Kay throughout her life, and she carried her father’s wisdom with her every step of her journey. After graduating high school, Kay attended college in Hutchinson, Kansas, at a time when women at college was rare, emboldening her spirit. After completing two years of her college coursework, she made the bold decision to move out West to California, where Sylvia’s relatives lived. This marked the start of her remarkable career and the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her life. Kay began her professional journey as a bookkeeper, lending her sharp mind to a CPA firm. She quickly developed a keen sense of investing and became quite skilled at navigating the stock market. It was in California that Kathryn met Bob White, whose kindness and thrill-seeking nature perfectly complemented her fiery spirit. Together, they built a life near the ocean, raising two children, a son and a daughter. For 20 years, they shared a love for motorcycles, riding along the coastline and in the deserts while balancing family life with their sense of adventure. But just as the gears of their motorcycles shifted, so did their paths, and eventually, they rode in different directions. Kathryn turned her energy towards her creative passions. The sewing machine always hummed with love as she crafted personalized dolls, bunnies, and clothing—each a treasure infused with her care. A dress she designed for her daughter’s prom was just one example of how her artistry and devotion were woven into the fabric of their lives. Every creation was a heartfelt expression of her love, turning their home into a place where memories were stitched together with tenderness—all for her children. When her son, Curtis, was diagnosed with diabetes at a young age, Kathryn went far beyond basic care. At a time when medical knowledge about diabetes was still limited, Kathryn took it upon herself to learn everything she could about the condition and became an advocate for diabetes awareness. Without modern tools like glucose monitors or insulin pumps, she carefully managed Curt’s insulin and diet. Her dedication and foresight not only helped stabilize Curt’s condition but also extended his life, making her a true trailblazer in diabetes care and early awareness. As her children grew older and health remained stable, Kay’s entrepreneurial spirit flourished, drawing on her father’s lessons of resilience and independence. In an era when women in business were uncommon, Kay co-founded an Oceanside bar and nightclub, where she was an equal partner in the venture alongside her business partners. Embracing each challenge as an opportunity to empower herself and others, she poured her energy into making the bar a vibrant success. While her partners focused on the nightclub, Kay brought the bar to life with her homemade dishes and spunky personality, drawing people in and keeping them coming back. Her success not only grew the business but also stood as a testament to the power of women in leadership, breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. In her later years, Kay would share this story with her grandchildren, an evening filled with innocent laughter and blushing smiles as she reminisced about her time at the bar. A foreign shipping crew settled into the port near Kays bar, travelers were drawn to the one-of-a-kind bar she had established. Sensing her foreign guests were heading in the wrong direction, Kay didn’t hesitate. Always quick to speak up when needed, she steered them toward better company, flashing a reassuring smile to let them know she had their back. Months later, the crew returned to port and headed straight to Kay’s bar, bringing with them their country’s honorary medal as a token of gratitude. The crew, along with their officers, came to honor Kay for looking out for them during their time in the U.S. The stories Kay shared with her family were all treasured, but none more than the one about the day she met Robert. It was a day at the port when his ship docked, and their paths crossed for the first time. From that moment, her heart would be anchored in love for the rest of her days, much like a perfectly stitched seam. Robert Rosenau, with his charm and quick sense of humor, had been drawn into Kay’s bar after hearing about her famous chili. Kay served him a fresh bowl, and their playful banter flowed effortlessly, each matching the other’s fiery personality. That day marked the beginning of a love story they would cherish forever, woven together like the quilts Kay so lovingly crafted. In the early days of their courtship, Robert would leave precious keepsakes with Kay to hold onto until he returned home from sea. She proudly displayed each one, eagerly awaiting his return. Kay would often smile and share that Robert was entrusting her with his valuables, a gesture that confirmed she was all his, and that they were always in each other's hearts—much like the threads woven into a quilt, binding them together no matter the distance. In 1978, Kay married Robert, blending their families in a joyful celebration surrounded by love and the warmth of both sides. Kay and Robert had their work cut out for them blending mostly adult families. Within the first few years of marriage, Kathryn’s first husband Bob, passed and 15 months later her son, Curtis. Robert so sweetly loved his adored Kathryn through this tragedy and together were building cherished threads in the quilt of life that would hold them together in the hardest times. Kay and Robert found solace in returning to the lifestyle she had cherished as a child, building a ranch in Placerville, California. Kay's love for animals led them to rescue nearly 40 goats, including Bubbles, Salt, Pepper, Flopsy, Sunday, and Easter Bunny. Together, they nurtured the goats, with Kay bottle-feeding the little ones and bringing them inside to curl up on the couches with her. Their home was filled with love, warmth, and a unique harmony among their pets, including their cat Muchen and terrier mix, Foxy. Kay’s cherished golden retriever, Brandy, was her sweet protector, always guarding her while Robert was at sea, with a heart as golden as her coat. Their love for animals extended beyond their own fences—Kay often cared for their neighbors' horses when they were away, providing company for their donkey, Come Along, in the process. When Kay wasn’t tending to the ranch or caring for her beloved animals, she would unwind in the radiant sun on the back porch of their home, painting in the peaceful outdoors. Her creativity and passion knew no bounds—Kay was a woman of endless imagination and a fierce entrepreneurial spirit. A few miles away, she owned a quilting, fabric, and painting store where her artistic soul truly flourished. Kay’s gold Volkswagen "slug bug" perfectly mirrored her vibrant personality and love for bright colors. With its cheerful, bold hue, it wasn’t just a car—it was a reflection of her spirit. Driving it around town, she left a trail of boldness wherever she went, much like the sunflowers she adored. To her family, sunflowers symbolize Kay’s radiant, unshakable spirit. Whenever they see them, they are reminded of her warm presence and strength, much like the sunflowers she often sewed onto canvases—a beacon of warmth and resilience in the world. On the ranch, Kay was always prepared, and her Volkswagen was no exception. She kept a gun in the center console, ready to protect herself and her animals from rattlesnakes—an example of her practicality and independence, with a twist of femininity and spunk. Eventually, the demand of their animals and ranch led Kay to switch to a Ford Ranger. The truck mirrored her times on her family's Kansas farm and brought excitement, adventure and warmth. She would drive her truck along the notorious Northern California Highway 49 enjoying the breathtaking scenery. Like the truck, Kay was small but powerful, her can-do attitude unstoppable. Kay became especially known for her masterful quilts, each one a unique work of art, crafted with precision and care. In addition to running her store, she hosted classes, teaching a variety of skill levels from beginners to master quilters. During the holidays, her stunning fabric ornaments became a special attraction. Delicately layered with love, each ornament brought warmth and joy to the homes lucky enough to have one hanging on their tree. Our family especially cherishes the custom button-up shirts Kay designed for Robert. She carefully selected fabrics that reflected his deep love for cowboys, horses, and the Western lifestyle. Each shirt was not just a piece of clothing, but a heartfelt expression of her affection for him, with every stitch infused with love and care. Kay proudly shared how designing these shirts made her feel a sense of pride and connection to Robert, even when he was overseas. It was her way of caring for him, by wrapping him in her love, no matter the distance. As a personal touch, every clothing design proudly bore her signature tag: Made by Kathryn Rosenau. Kay was incredibly thoughtful and creative in showing her love for Robert, always finding unique ways to express how much she cherished him. During a visit to their beloved Hawaiian island, she wore his military uniform to a luau, a gesture that Robert found absolutely darling. Robert wore Kay’s meticulously designed shirts, honoring her craftsmanship, while Kay wore his uniform as a proud wife, paying tribute to his years of service. In these precious moments, they celebrated each other in ways that truly reflected their respect, admiration, and devotion for one another transcending over both land and sea. Always eager for adventure, Kay approached every new experience with enthusiasm and a fearless spirit. When she joined Robert on his ship voyage to Hawaii, where he served as newly promoted second mate, she dove headfirst into his world. Excited to embrace life at sea, meet the crew, and share in his adventures. Kay quickly earned the crew's respect with her sharp wit, spunk, and ability to hold her own in a male-dominated environment. Her confidence and warmth made her a natural standout, seamlessly integrating into a world where most women would have been overlooked.Together, side by side Kay and Bob continued to travel, places like Panama, Puerto Rico, and beyond, always seeking new horizons. Eventually, their wanderlust and ranching lifestyle gave way to a slower pace of life when they retired to Laughlin, Nevada. There, they embraced a peaceful chapter after a lifetime of adventure and Kay's trailblazing role in business. Kay adored her life in the desert, where her creativity remained as vibrant as ever. Her scenery in paintings changed to sky lines and landscape of desert hues. She had a room dedicated to her sewing, where her designs continued to flourish. Her gorgeous quilts, along with cherished treasures that once filled the shelves of her shop, were now proudly displayed in her sewing room. Her dogs, Foxy and Lucky Lady, had their own beds nearby, lounging contentedly by her side as she crafted more beautiful pieces. Kay and Robert’s love for rescuing animals continued to thrive in Laughlin, where they became known for their dedication to pets in need. Robert often brought home new rescues, and while Kay wasn’t looking for more, she secretly delighted in each new furry friend. Their home was filled with the joyful energy of their dogs: Sassy Bear, Lucky Lady, Coffee, Tinker Bell, Foxy, Chelsea, Candy Bar and Sugar. Sassy Bear, in particular, had a special bond with Kay. She would only sleep on the pillow beside her, and even if it meant Kay had to scooch down, resting her head on the bed itself, she always made room for her beloved dog. Sassy Bear was Kay’s shadow, following her from room to room. In her later years, she remained by Kay’s side, offering constant comfort and companionship. Mornings were spent walking with the spirited and energetic ladies of the area. Together, they walked for miles, staying fit and enjoying each other’s company. Kay cherished these walks, sharing laughter and camaraderie with the women who had become her close friends. When the family visited, they would relax by the pool, watching for mountain goats in the ridges while enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Kay made regular trips to California to paint with her dear friends and visit her ever-growing family, all of whom adored her spirit and spunk. Her vibrant energy and zest for life remained as strong as ever, making her a cherished presence wherever she went. Kay’s bright and beautiful spirit touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Small in stature but mighty in presence, she was a firecracker whose infectious energy and kind heart lit up every room she entered. Known by many names—Kathryn, Kay, Kate—no matter what she was called, she always left a lasting impression. She had a natural gift for empowering others, especially women who made their own way in the world. A woman who persevered, earned, and thrived, Kay was a trailblazer in her own right: going to college;driving a truck; owning multiple businesses; pioneering diabetes type 1 awareness. In their final years together, the connection between Kay and Robert was clear for all to see. They were each other’s person, partners in every sense. Their love was a testament to the beauty of growing old together, hand in hand. Kay is survived by her daughter, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless friends and loved ones. She is reunited in heaven with her first husband, Bob White, her son, Curtis, and her beloved fur babies. As Robert says, "They’re having a welcome party in heaven for Kay!" Kay's bright and fiery spirit, strong and sturdy like a sunflower reaching for the sun, will forever be remembered—always reaching for the sky and forever in our hearts. Her life was a masterpiece, a patchwork quilt of love, creativity, and devotion. She created a legacy through every stitch, every memory, and every moment shared with those she loved. Just like the quilts she crafted, her story will be forever woven into the hearts of her family, cherished for generations to come. If you would like to honor and celebrate the life of Kathryn R. Rosenau as we lay her to rest and or you would love to share a story or a photo, please reach out to us at kaybobrosenau@gmail.com. Your presence is welcomed. We will share the finalized service details date, time, and location upon request in email. If you would prefer a hardcopy of the obituary by mail, kindly provide your address.

Kathryn Ruth Rosenau

November 24, 1932 - October 16, 2019