Katharine B. Roe

04/29/1917 — 08/10/2003

From Richland, WA, US | Born in Newark, Delaware

Katharine B. Roe

Katharine B. Roe Richland, WA

Katharine Buckingham Roe, 86, joined the heavenly angels on Sunday, August 10, 2003. Kitty, as she was affectionately known by her friends, was born in Newark, Delaware on April 29, 1917. She was the first child of Warren and Mary Buckingham. She is survived by her loving siblings Lt. Col. Ret. Warren Buckingham, Jr. of Jekyll Island, Georgia and Rebecca Straw of Newark, Delaware, and numerous nieces and nephews with whom she maintained close relations.

Kitty was educated in Delaware, graduating from Caesar Rodney High School and Goldey College. She married William S. Roe on September 3, 1938. They relocated to Washington State in 1943 when Bill transferred with DuPont to the Hanford Project.

Kitty worked in administrative support positions in the Tri-Cities, including Sharp Realty, The Tri-City Herald, Columbia Industries, and J.A. Jones Construction Company. She was active in The Richland Players for numerous years and served as the producer for many productions. She also was a scout leader, PTA volunteer, member of the Kadlec Medical Center Auxiliary, and reading tutor at her great-granddaughter’s elementary school. She has been a member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Richland since 1943 and participated in the life of the church in many capacities, including outreach and serving as the Vestry Clerk for many years.

Kitty was a beautiful and fun-loving person. She enjoyed cooking and having people to her home. She loved music and loved to dance. Moving to barren Richland in the 40s, sparked Bill and Kitty to develop strong friendships with other transplanted Hanford workers. They enjoyed a very active social life with bridge games, sherry parties, dances, and summer back-yard gatherings.

Kitty was an independent woman, traveling alone to Europe in 1972 to visit her brother and attend the Olympics in Munich, Germany. She was well read and had a keen interest in current affairs.

To know Kitty, was to know that her life’s passion was her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She is survived by son William S. Roe III and his wife Bonnie Richland; daughters Carolyn DeJong and her husband Lamont Gresham, Oregon; Mary Katharine Kathie Truax and her husband John Richland; and Christine Perko and her husband Larry Mission Viejo, California.

Kitty was the matriarch of the family; she was the hub of our life events. Her four kids looked forward to family vacations with Mom. One favorite spot was Ocean Park on the Washington Coast. In later years family vacations were moved to Lopez Island in the San Juans, all of us sharing one big house together. We just returned from this year’s trip one week ago, and each of us is thankful for those special memories – talking, laughing, eating crab, going to Holly B’s, riding ferries, and playing games.

A joyful spirit was always close at hand; the wonder and enjoyment of life’s pleasures are the heritage that Kitty passes to her children and grandchildren. The lucky grandchildren include: Vicki and Randy Stephens & Katharine; Richard and Laurie Devine & Andrew, Austin, Haylie, Kylie and Levi; Bill and Nancy Roe & Britni, Jessica, Julia, and Brooke; Nat and Paula Roe & Lila; Michael Hokanson; Johanna DeJong & Rustyn and Soraya; Hettie and Troy Wright & Emily and Ethan; Christopher DeJong; Stacy Truax and Dean Jones & Parker and Taylor Johnson; Nicole and Chad Foltz & Carson and Cassidy; Deanna and Joe Hanley & Finnigan; Kelly and Kevin Hutchins & Brady and MacKenzie; Tom and Cathy McCarthy & Madeline; and Matt McCarthy.

There are not enough words to described how much Kitty loved her 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren or how much they loved their “Grandma Kitty” … a name that is cherished not only by the grandchildren, but also by many of Bill, Carolyn, Kathie & Christy’s friends. Grandma Kitty aka “Grambo” to some of the kids never missed a birthday. She always made time to support sporting events, school programs, special interests, provide transportation when needed, select the perfect present, or lend a hand or caring ear. She had a special ability to make each grandchild feel unique and unconditionally loved. Grandma Kitty was so loved, the boys had an ongoing rivalry over who was her favorite grandson … a title coveted by each.

A woman of strong character and integrity, Kitty knew the best gift to give and receive is love. She adored her family, and she lived daily in the knowledge her family adored her. She often commented how grateful she was for her wonderful life. As a fulfilled and joyful woman, she began her final journey.

Kitty suffered a stroke on August 6 and passed away in the hospital on August 10 in the presence of her loving family. There will be a celebration of her life at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 13, at All Saints Episcopal Church, 1322 Kimball, in Richland. Immediately following the service, a reception will be held at the home of Kathie & John Truax in Horn Rapids at 2836 Hawkstone Court. In lieu of flowers, Kitty requested any memorials be made to the building fund at All Saints Church

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Katharine B. Roe

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  • Dear Family ~

    My thoughts and prayers are with you daily, but especially today. The “great cloud of witnesses” is suddenly much greater because wonderful Kitty has joined them, but we are much poorer. Thanks for sharing her so generously with a larger family and world that were so blessed by her laughter, her love of life, and most importantly her love of family.

    Love to you all,

    Bucky III

    Warren W. Buckingham III
    November 4, 2014
    Nairobi, Kenya
  • Dear Bill, Carolyn, Kathie and Chris and Family Members,

    I was so sorry to hear of your loss. It was always a priviledge to spend time with your Mom, Kitty. She was a delightful woman and a pleasure to be with. Kitty always seemed up for the festivities, much like my own mother. May God Bless her and May God Bless you during this time of your loss.

    With Sincerest Sympathies,

    Barb Lapping

    Barb Lapping
    November 4, 2014
    Aliso, Viejo, CA, US
  • OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY GO OUT TO YOUR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS

    JIM HANLEY&BONIE HANLEY
    November 4, 2014
    spokane, WA, US
  • Christy, Carolyn, Kathie and Bill,

    I was so saddened to read about your Mom passing away. She was a fun and loving person whose playful laugh made me smile whenever I was around her. She had such a positive energy about her and spoke with great love about her ever-growing family. She never forgot about me carrying around “my silk” when I was a young girl. We had several laughs over that when I would see her in Malleys Drug Store.

    I loved her and I will miss her. My deepest sympathy to you all.

    Nancy

    Nancy J. Harville
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, WA, US
  • To Christy,Carolyn, Kathie and Bill,

    Nancy Harville called this morning to let me know about your Mom. I have such fond memories of your loving Mom and of all the times I spent over at your house on Hetrick. She always made me feel so welcome and I enjoyed visiting with her when I returned to visit after our move away from Richland. She was a beautiful woman. I hope that we can keep in touch in the times to come. Love from your friend, Christy…. Mary

    Mary McMurray Dyar
    November 4, 2014
    Spokane, WA, US
  • Grandma Kitty has left an incredible legacy. One needs to look no further than the list of names and organiztions she has helped and loved over her lifetime.

    We will always remember her for her wit, humor and endless devotion to her family and friends.

    All our love,

    Chi & Eric Membrila

    Chi & Eric Membrila
    November 4, 2014
    Laguna, Niguel, CA, US
  • What a beautiful tribute to an incredible lady. With our deepest sympathies, Iain and Julie Doleman, Sarah and Susan Kasman

    Julie Doleman
    November 4, 2014
    Fullerton, CA, US
  • MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO ALL THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF KITTY. SHE WAS A WARM AND BEAUTIFUL PERSON, AND WILL BE TRUELY MISSED. MY FINAL THANK YOU NOTE DEAR KITTY, THANK YOU FOR JUST BEING YOU. YOU HAVE LEFT ME WITH SOME GREAT MEMORIES. THANK YOU, LOVE ALWAYS, JODI

    JODI ARDAMICA
    November 4, 2014
    RICHLAND, WA, US
  • Bill, Carolyn, Kathie and Christine

    I last talked with your Mom on June 29 of this year. She was a wonderful and dear friend of mother’s, writing each and every week, telling her about the Roe family. Each time I visited with Mom, I would read of the love and caring for all her family in the multitude of letters stacked up. There was so many grandchildren and great grandchildren, I could not keep track. The last time I saw your mom was at my dad’s retirement party in 1977.

    I remember fondly my time with your mom, she was a wonderful and very thoughful friend.

    I am very sorry for your loss.

    Dave

    David Robertson
    November 4, 2014
    Saratoga, CA, US
  • Dear Family ~

    My thoughts and prayers are with you daily, but especially today. The “great cloud of witnesses” is suddenly much greater because wonderful Kitty has joined them, but we are much poorer. Thanks for sharing her so generously with a larger family and world that were so blessed by her laughter, her love of life, and most importantly her love of family.

    Love to you all,

    Bucky III

    Warren W. Buckingham III
    November 4, 2014
    Nairobi, Kenya
  • Dear Bill, Carolyn, Kathie and Chris and Family Members,

    I was so sorry to hear of your loss. It was always a priviledge to spend time with your Mom, Kitty. She was a delightful woman and a pleasure to be with. Kitty always seemed up for the festivities, much like my own mother. May God Bless her and May God Bless you during this time of your loss.

    With Sincerest Sympathies,

    Barb Lapping

    Barb Lapping
    November 4, 2014
    Aliso, Viejo, CA, US
  • OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY GO OUT TO YOUR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS

    JIM HANLEY&BONIE HANLEY
    November 4, 2014
    spokane, WA, US
  • Christy, Carolyn, Kathie and Bill,

    I was so saddened to read about your Mom passing away. She was a fun and loving person whose playful laugh made me smile whenever I was around her. She had such a positive energy about her and spoke with great love about her ever-growing family. She never forgot about me carrying around “my silk” when I was a young girl. We had several laughs over that when I would see her in Malleys Drug Store.

    I loved her and I will miss her. My deepest sympathy to you all.

    Nancy

    Nancy J. Harville
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, WA, US
  • To Christy,Carolyn, Kathie and Bill,

    Nancy Harville called this morning to let me know about your Mom. I have such fond memories of your loving Mom and of all the times I spent over at your house on Hetrick. She always made me feel so welcome and I enjoyed visiting with her when I returned to visit after our move away from Richland. She was a beautiful woman. I hope that we can keep in touch in the times to come. Love from your friend, Christy…. Mary

    Mary McMurray Dyar
    November 4, 2014
    Spokane, WA, US
  • Grandma Kitty has left an incredible legacy. One needs to look no further than the list of names and organiztions she has helped and loved over her lifetime.

    We will always remember her for her wit, humor and endless devotion to her family and friends.

    All our love,

    Chi & Eric Membrila

    Chi & Eric Membrila
    November 4, 2014
    Laguna, Niguel, CA, US
  • What a beautiful tribute to an incredible lady. With our deepest sympathies, Iain and Julie Doleman, Sarah and Susan Kasman

    Julie Doleman
    November 4, 2014
    Fullerton, CA, US
  • MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO ALL THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF KITTY. SHE WAS A WARM AND BEAUTIFUL PERSON, AND WILL BE TRUELY MISSED. MY FINAL THANK YOU NOTE DEAR KITTY, THANK YOU FOR JUST BEING YOU. YOU HAVE LEFT ME WITH SOME GREAT MEMORIES. THANK YOU, LOVE ALWAYS, JODI

    JODI ARDAMICA
    November 4, 2014
    RICHLAND, WA, US
  • Bill, Carolyn, Kathie and Christine

    I last talked with your Mom on June 29 of this year. She was a wonderful and dear friend of mother’s, writing each and every week, telling her about the Roe family. Each time I visited with Mom, I would read of the love and caring for all her family in the multitude of letters stacked up. There was so many grandchildren and great grandchildren, I could not keep track. The last time I saw your mom was at my dad’s retirement party in 1977.

    I remember fondly my time with your mom, she was a wonderful and very thoughful friend.

    I am very sorry for your loss.

    Dave

    David Robertson
    November 4, 2014
    Saratoga, CA, US
  • My heart goes out to all the family, I wish I could be there tomorrow. My fondest memories of Grandma Kitty will always be of her watching us Grandkids in the pool from her poole side lounge chair, also the little old house we all use to go to in Longbeach where the crab was overflowing the table….I love you Gramda Kitty….Your family is the best!

    Johanna

    C. Johanna De Jong
    November 4, 2014
    Boise, ID, US
  • My prayers of condolences to all the family. I got to know Kitty personally at J. A. Jones – what a delightful person! She always had a smile for everyone – I was truly honored to know her.

    Janice Gunter
    November 4, 2014
    Richland, WA, US
  • Life is so beautiful, though at times seems too short. Take comfort in the fact that Kitty now resides with God and the angels. Our prayers are with you and your families.

    Bruce and Mary Truax
    November 4, 2014
    Carlock, IL, US
  • sincere sympathy for the loss of your loved one. our thoughts and prayers are with you.

    ruth & Bill Holesworth
    November 4, 2014
    kennewick, WA, US
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