Kathleen Rollins
Our beloved Kathy finally lost her 24-year battle with her nemesis scleroderma. She battled like few have been able to battle. She is finally pain free. Kathy died at home with her husband Scott at her side.
Kathy was born Jan. 21, 1951, to David and Audree Rhea. Two years later, sister Pam joined the family. Kathy’s childhood was an idyllic, Norman Rockwell-like world of warm summers playing with the neighborhood kids, camping trips, large family gatherings, as well as vacations from Mexico to Oregon.
Kathy is well remembered as a driven, hardworking gal who never shied away from a challenge whether, as a child, it was making potholders on a loom to sell door to door in the neighborhood, modeling spring fashions as a teenager or scooping ice cream while in high school.
It was in Kathy’s junior year at Lakewood High School that she met the love of her life Scott Rollins. Seated alphabetically in biology class, Scott and Kathy became biology partners and began dating soon after. They dated through high school and two years at Long Beach City College. After graduating, they were married on June 19, 1971, and shortly thereafter were the winning contestants on “The Newlywed Game.”
In December 1971, Kathy’s folks were moving to someplace called Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, so the young couple decided to tag along. Kathy went to work for General Telephone Company as a secretary and at age 25 became a wonderful stay at home mom. At the time, Scott was a member of the Post Falls Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Service and had obtained his EMT credentials. Soon after Kathy too became an EMT for Post Falls, and was one of the first female EMT’s in Kootenai County. She continued with her training and moved up to an Advanced EMT when that level became available. About this time, Kathy went to work for Kootenai Medical Center as a phlebotomist and excelled in that role.
Although busy, in her free time Kathy volunteered at Seltice Elementary School as a teacher’s aide and discovered her true passion. Kathy enrolled in Gonzaga University, achieved her degree and graduated Magna Cum Laude. She was quickly hired by the Lakeland School District and started at John Brown Elementary until Betty Keifer Elementary was built and she moved to the new school. Kathy was a tireless teacher who loved her fourth-graders and they loved her. She was able to get the lessons across yet was able to make it both interesting and fun especially Lewis and Clark. Mrs. Rollins taught for 17 years before the ravages of scleroderma finally forced her retirement.
In retirement, Kathy stayed as busy as her health allowed. She loved to knit, even with her crippled hands. She was a member of the Inland Empire Water Garden and Koi Society, the River City Garden Club, and the Evergreen Chapter of the Scleroderma Foundation.
You put up a hell of a fight lady and you’ll be forever missed.
Kathy is survived by her husband of 45 years, Scott; son David; grandsons Ethan and Drake; her sister, Pam Craig and husband Dan; as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, David and Audree Rhea; and nephew Jeff Foley.
Kathy’s family would like to thank Dr. Jacobsen, Dr. Heick, Dr. Fush, Dr. Mroch and the many other physicians, nurses, and support staff that helped Kathy down this long and difficult path. We would also like to thank North Idaho Home Care and Crest Hospice for their help and guidance at the end of her journey. Again thank you all.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016, at Bell Tower Funeral Home, 3398 E. Jenalan Ave., Post Falls, Idaho.
Donations to the Scleroderma Foundation Evergreen Chapter in Spokane will be greatly appreciated.
You may view her online memorial at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com.