Rhymer, Kathleen P.

Rhymer, Kathleen P. (nee Rush), passed away on July 19, 2025.

Beloved wife of Robert E. Rhymer for 53 years; loving mother of Bob (Donna) Sweeney, Mary (Jill Vogel) Sweeney, Patrick (Julie) Sweeney and Jim (Denna) Sweeney; cherished grandmother of Allison (Daris), Sean (Kris), Molly (Robbie), Alex, Connor, Kevin, Sydney and the late Jessica and great-grandmother of Aniyah, Gabriel, Logan, Grayson, Kaiser, Rozlyn and the late Mason; dear sister of Patti Rush and the late Mary Ellen Shortland.

To know Kathy was to love her. There are two kinds of people in this world. People who believe cats and kids don’t belong on top of the kitchen table, and those of us who do. Granny was the latter. She never met a kid or pet she wasn’t going to stuff full of love and snacks. Even when those kids and pets were strays that wondered up to the front door and just needed someone to love them.

Kathy had some cherished titles over the years; wife, Mom, sister, friend, and her personal favorite, Granny. She once said “you love all the kids the same amount, but you love them each different”. She loved each of us for our unique personalities; and was always able to give each of us what we needed.

No two people in the world loved each other more than Kathy and Bob. Their love and respect for one another was apparent to anyone who met them. Nothing brought them more joy than being together and being with their family. They were blessed with 53 years of loving one another. They went on many adventures together: Ireland, Quebec, Lake Saint Clair, and everywhere in-between; often times with kids and grandkids in tow. A band of children often surrounded them, yelling out “granny and pawpaw” to get their attention. Wearing their titles like a badge of honor we went to the toy store, the movies, 6 flags, and anywhere else our little hearts desired; but of all the places we went, our favorite was always just going to Granny’s house. There were years when they owned a vending business, and their basement contained every kind of candy bar and soda a child could imagine. Granny’s house always had the best snacks.

In recent years, when her health started to fail, Bob was her constant companion. She wanted for nothing and was treated like the queen she was. In the end the two of them sat side by side in their chairs, still loving each other.

She told the best stories and captivated us with memories from her childhood – with her sister Mary Ellen and friend Peachy riding the City bus unsupervised to all sorts of destinations. She came of age in a post-World War II era, and became a young Mom in 1959. She always worked to help support her family, and make sure that everyone’s needs were met.

Empathy, compassion, patience, and open-mindedness were her superpowers. She celebrated every win with us, but she was also there for every loss. She celebrated and commiserated with the same recipe: humor, snacks, an icy cold beer (or sodie), and love. She wanted us to just come as we were and spend time together.

She always remembered those who showed her compassion and grace; and reminded us that the way we treat each other is a choice.

She loved the sound of family. One Christmas she sat back quietly in her seat and said, “I just love to listen to the sound of kids playing”. She loved the chatter of family; and as her time here on earth grew short, she was surrounded by the family and banter she loved so much. Her great-granddaughter played happily on the floor at her feet, while her kids poked fun at one another. In her last days she and pawpaw sat in their chairs, loving us, and us loving them.

She taught us with her warmth, and goodness and how to love one another. We will miss her wonderful laugh and bad singing, but we are so thankful for all of fun and adventures. When she arrived in heaven, we know she was met by Jessica and Mason, and we can hear her say “come here to your Granny who loves you”.

A special thank you is extended to the wonderful, caring staff of Mercy Hospice for the immeasurable amount of care, comfort and support extended to the Rhymer Family.

Services: Visitation at Kutis South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, on Saturday, July 26, from 10:00 am until time of memorial service at 12:00 pm. Memorial gifts in Kathleen’s memory may be made to The American Red Cross, Open Door Animal Sactuary or Mercy Hospice.