of Little Rock, AR
October 21, 1942 - August 6, 2024
Kathleen Leota Churchill, 81, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 surrounded by her loving family and friends. In Kakky fashion, she waited until ''the party'' arrived for her to join hands with her Lord and Savior. She always said, ''She worked her entire life to join Him.''.
Kathy was predeceased by her parents, Leo and Leota Wilson; her son, Kevin Churchill and her older sister, Loretta Secrest. Left to carry on her bubbling spirit, tremendous faith and never-give-up attitude is her husband of almost 61 years, Spence Churchill; daughter, Kristin Trulock of Little Rock; favorite, and thank goodness, only son-in-law, Greg Trulock; daughter-in-law, Kimberley Churchill of San Diego; six grandchildren, Carly Davis (Jace), Walter Trulock, Wilson Trulock, Emma Churchill, Joy Churchill, Joshua Churchill; sister, Judy Carlson and sister-in-law, Elisabeth Churchill. Just on May 30th, her first great-grandchild, Landon Rhodes Davis, was born to her delight. Numerous cousins, nieces and nephews were a big part of her joyful times, along with so many friends she loved seeing and being with whenever possible.
Kathy grew up in a humble and happy background as the youngest of 3 daughters to Leo and Leota Wilson. She was born in Torrence, California on October 21, 1942. She spent her younger years in Orange County, California, until she wanted to see if the grass really was blue in Kentucky, where she enrolled at the University of Kentucky after spending one year at Fullerton Junior College. On the first day on campus, she met her husband-to-be, a counselor in the men's/women's dorm. He was the first person to offer to change her light bulbs. He has been around for 60 years to change whatever she needed. Spence and Kathy lived in Southern California and Northern California where their son & daughter were born, before moving to Arkansas in 1971. As a couple, they loved to travel within the USA and abroad with two other special couples. As sweet of a lady as Kathy was, she could voice some ''zingers'' your way without any warning. If you ended a conversation with her without her unique giggle, you might be in trouble later.
Kathy had many nicknames throughout her life, including Positive Polly, Mama Church, Honey and Babe. Her most treasured was Kakky, which her grandchildren called her. She thought each of them personally hung a little slice of the moon. There was such respect, fun and love going in both directions between them and that was always present. Kakky never missed a grandchild's activity! All the grandchildren's friends knew they could count on her to cheer for them, too.
During her battle with cancer, the thing she missed most was not being able to help other people, which always made her day. To help other people, she served as a PTA President, Board Chairman at church, board member at Youth Home and Citizens Fidelity Insurance Co. She also helped establish the Arkansas Chapter of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation and volunteered at Home for Healing, WPRCI Auxiliary and CCFA.
Throughout her life, she was our family's example of putting others before ourselves. We will always remember her for all the things she lovingly did for us. It is hard saying goodbye to someone we love so much.
We wish to extend our appreciation and gratitude to Kathy's health and hospice care providers for their excellent attention to Kathy's needs: Dr. Tu, nurse, Angie Ford, Sandra Jones, Shannon Greer, Tiffany Hadden, Kayarrah Muldrew, Jan Stewart and Katherine Allen.
Each doctor she met was told, ''I am going to beat it.'' She did beat it because she knew at the end of her journey of over two years battling stage 4 cancer, her Lord and Savior would be waiting for her with open arms. She led her life loving the Lord, loving her family, loving people and loving life. She had beaten cancer three other times, so there was no quit in her. She was a people person who would talk to anybody and win them over because they could tell she had an interest in them no matter their walk of life.
''She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.''-Proverbs 31:26
''Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.'' -Proverbs 31:29
Services will be held on Friday, August 16, at 12 p.m. at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, 4823 Woodlawn Dr., Little Rock, Arkansas with a reception immediately following. Graveside service will be a private family gathering.
In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Home for Healing, 4300 West Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72205 or Youth Home, 20400 Colonel Glenn Rd, Little Rock, AR 72210.
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17 Condolence(s)
Sandra
Thursday, August 15, 2024
What a wonderful life Kathy had that was so very well lived. She was a natural leader and made an impact on everyone who knew her, especially her family and friends!! She was always looking for ways to be of service and she instilled that in her children!! Kristin is a shining example. She was smart and always upbeat, which made people want to be around her and be her friend. Her influence in the community, on people’s lives and the joy she demonstrated will be missed by so many!! She leaves behind a very loving family, many many friends and a better community because of her large contributions and her big heart!!
Chris and Sara Logan
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
We are so sorry for your loss, Mrs Churchill was a wonderful, kind and generous Mother, not only to her family but anyone who needed help in any way. She will be missed by everyone who knew her. She was always there to help with whatever anyone needed - always putting others needs in front of her own. She was truly a special lady for sure. I am sorry we won’t be able to attend the service, as I will be out of town putting my own mother (Joyce Logan) to rest in Nashville, TN on the same day. Prayers going out to all in the family.
With sympathy and continued prayers,
Chris Logan.
Austin Thomas
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Kathy and her husband Spence were such an important and supportive part of my father's life. Small gestures such as stopping by his house to deliver Thanksgiving Dinner I have no doubt were deeply meaningful to him. The opportunity to work with those he considered as true friends for many years had an incredible impact on my dad's life, both professionally and personally. I am fortunate to have met Kathy on a handful of occasions and I know that she was undoubtedly a very special person.
Janelle Kelterborn
Monday, August 12, 2024
When I first came to Little Rock in 2015, Kathy was the first person I was introduced to. She had such a loving and welcoming spirit, I felt so accepted by her. It was easy to tell that Kathy had a big and loving heart. What a joy to have been able to know such a special woman.
Joyce Willis
Sunday, August 11, 2024
I didn’t have the opportunity to meet Mrs Kathy but I sure do
know her daughter, Kristin. Mrs Kathy raised a wonderful person in KT. I enjoyed working with Kristen …She has the biggest smile and she was always filled with goodness.
My prayers are with the family
Joyce
Susan Cohen
Sunday, August 11, 2024
Kristin, I can see where you get your energy and gusto for life. Having only met your mother a few times I could tell she was a beautiful, kind soul and so much fun to be around.
There is nothing to compare to the loss of a parent, it is different. Hold your memories close and your family and friends closer. Time will march on, the loss you feel during this period will soften over time and life will move forward, but always feel different. You are loved immensely and generously give so much love back. Kakky passed away proud knowing her legacy of loving and giving back will be carried on by you.
All of our love, Susan and Jerry Cohen
Mindy Moore
Sunday, August 11, 2024
Beautiful person inside and out. She made people and the world a better. Job well done,Kathy! Love, prayers and peace Spence, Kristin, Greg and family.
Christina Ann Bates
Saturday, August 10, 2024
I got to know Miss. Kathy over the last four years while we shared an office building. She was an absolute angel of a lady and so so funny. Sending lots of love to Spence and her family. She was such a special lady and I'm so glad I got the opportunity to know her
Lisa Davis
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Peace and comfort to you all! I loved Kathy she was so patient and kind. I was having a bad day once and she talked and listened to me for over an hour! She invited me over and over to come over to sit on her front porch and share a glass of wine. Unfortunately something always got in our way and it never happened but we did sit with our feet in the pool a few times. I miss you dear lady but I know you have everything running smoothly in Heaven now.
Olivia Partington-Farrow
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Dear sweet, strong, bold and amazing Kakky. From the moment I met you, you made me apart of the family. You “told” me I was part of the family! Your dedication, love and passion for the community, your friends and best of all, your family was something I will always admire and look up to. I’m so honored and humbled to know you and be a little bit of your story. Your love for your children and grandchildren ( which I love them very much) will forever be amazing memories in my heart! You beat it! You made it and your legacy will forever continue! Much love as a bonus person in your amazing family! - Olivia
Mark and Lori Carlson
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Aunt Kathy and Uncle Spence were very important to me as I grew up. I learned a lot from them and have many memories. I especially remember the time cousin Marjorie and I stayed with them for a while and rode in their convertible. Also babysitting baby Kristin and brother Kevin when I was 12 while Grandpa Leo supervised. Kathy was always the one I called when I needed advice. And she always had good council. I can't wait until we can all be together again and sing praises to our Lord as she's doing now. I love you Aunt Kathy. Niece Lori
Peggy Sissel
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Such a special lady! Condolences to Spence and all of you. You are in my prayers.
Bryan and Missy Van Dyke, and Trevor and Ashley Van Dyke
Saturday, August 10, 2024
What a beautiful person, Aunt Kathy was. She shined the light of the Lord on everyone. May she rest in the arms of our loving Lord forever.
Shannon Henry
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Kathy was such a special person and will be greatly missed. I was so lucky to have known her.
Cindy and Gene Osment
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Kathy was a pillar of First Christian Church of LIttle Rock for many years. She was a sweetheart and we will miss her. Prayers for Spence, Kristin, Greg and all of Kathy’s family.
Stan and Sandy Ackerman
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Stan and I had the privilege of meeting Spence and Kathy at a young age and this couple had a tremendous influence on our lives. Kathy was such an encourager! She became a mentor to me and was especially influential in my walk with God. Although I will miss her I look forward to hearing her laugh in heaven! Stan and I were truly blessed to call her a friend.
John and Michelle terry
Saturday, August 10, 2024
The Terry family loves our neighbors, Kathy and Spence.