Kathleen Kay Parrott

Kathleen Kay (Krieger) Parrott, age 85, of Granger, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Wednesday December 31, at her home in Mishawaka, Indiana.

Kathleen was born in Bridgman, Michigan, where she grew up before beginning a life marked by deep faith, dedication to family, and active involvement in her community. After graduating from Michigan State University, she began her career as a schoolteacher. She later stepped away from the classroom to devote herself fully to raising her family, a role she cherished deeply. As her children grew, Kathleen returned to work with Elkhart Community Schools, where she led the teenage parent program, supporting young families with compassion and purpose. During that time she obtained her master’s degree in counseling, then worked as a guidance counselor for the remainder of her career. She also expressed her creativity through interior design projects.

Kathleen married Charles W. Parrott Jr. on September 10, 1961. After several years in Michigan, the couple moved to Granger, Indiana, in 1968, where Kathleen lived for the remainder of her life. Together they also enjoyed time at their weekend home in New Buffalo on Lake Michigan and later spent winters in Scottsdale, Arizona after retirement.

Kathleen was known for her boundless energy and involvement. She especially loved golf and the close-knit community at Knollwood Country Club, where she and Charlie lived and formed many lasting friendships. She found great joy in time spent at Lake Michigan, traveling with family and friends, and hiking in Arizona.

Her faith was central to her life. Kathleen was a longtime member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years, and later Christ the King Lutheran Church, where she served as a Stephen Minister. She was also active in The Junior League of South Bend and generously gave her time and talents to the organizations and people she cared about.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles, in 2020.

She is survived by her son, Joe Parrott, and daughter-in-law, Celia Parrott, of Greensboro, Georgia; her daughter, Sarah Henry, and son-in-law, Tom Henry, of Elkhart, Indiana; her grandson, Adam Parrott, of Eatonton, Georgia; her granddaughter, Katie Henry, of Elkhart, Indiana; her sister, Glennice Merz, of Holland, Michigan; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 3, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m., at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 17195 Cleveland Road, South Bend, Indiana.

Kathleen will be remembered for her warmth, her faith, her generosity, and the joyful way she stayed engaged with life and the people she loved.

Those wishing to honor Kathleen may consider a donation to Reins Of Life, Inc. of South Bend at Reinsoflife.org

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.