Kathleen S. (McGriff) Rash

Kathleen S. (McGriff) Rash, 71, a lifelong resident of the Lakeville/Lapaz area passed away on Saturday January 31, 2026, at Memorial Hospital, South Bend.

Kathleen was born on February 9, 1954, in South Bend to the late John and Elizabeth (Held) McGriff.

Kathleen graduated from LaVille High School and obtained further education before entering the banking field and served as a bank teller for many years.

On October 13, 1973, she married Gregory Rash, sharing the last 52 years together after first meeting in 7th grade.

Kathleen is survived by her loving husband, Greg, her daughters; Angela (Joel) Fisher, Jessica (Phil) Holderman and grandsons Jacob Fisher and Tucker Fisher as well as a bonus grandson, Michael Skiles.  Also surviving are her brothers, Randy (Nancy) McGriff and Kevin (Teresa) McGriff along with many nieces and nephews.

Kathy loved sports! She never missed a sporting event when the girls were growing up. She enjoyed supporting LaVille athletics for many years. Later she would follow Culver Community athletics as she cheered loudly from the stands for her grandsons and teammates. She also enjoyed watching the 4-H pig shows.

Over the years she enjoyed getting to know kids and families around the area from all the ballgames and 4H events.

IU basketball was always her favorite, but she could often be found watching tennis, basketball or football on TV. Kathy was often harassed by her grandsons and son-in-laws due to the IU/Purdue rivalry, but she would usually give it right back.

Kathy always enjoyed being invited to a party at Jessica’s house. She would sit for hours listening to all the friends laugh and tell stories. She would laugh along with them, and everyone loved it when “Kath” showed up to hang out. 

The family would like to thank the “BFF’s” for showing Kathy so much love, encouragement and support especially over the last 3 years. The 6 of them have been friends since childhood, and they all share a special friendship.

A celebration of life will be held from 4pm-7pm on Thursday February 12 at the Palmer Funeral Home inside the Palmer Community Complex, 601 N. Michigan St. Lakeville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the  Cancer Association of Marshall County or to All for Alice.

Online condolences to the family may be sent via the Palmer Funeral Homes website at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

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