KATHERINE D. (OAKLEY) GROSS
Katherine Denise Oakley, one of three daughters of Bobby and Janet (Banks) Oakley, was born August 15, 1962, at Abilene, Kansas. The family moved around some when Kathy was a young girl, but ultimately settled in Auburn, Nebraska, where Kathy attended school.
On New Year’s Eve 2002, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Kathy was united in marriage to Jack Gross. Prior to this marriage, Kathy was blessed with two children: a daughter Katie and a son Brock. After marrying Jack, she would also welcome his two children: daughter Jennifer and son Jack “Bo”.
Kathy was very artistic, creative, and always working with her hands, something she was very good at. This is what contributed to the love of her most recent job of working in the bakery at Russ’s Market while living in Lincoln with Jack. Kathy was also very organized and made labels for everything. A true passion of Kathy’s was also her pets: dogs Bella, Lucy, and Mingo, and her cats Mochi and Meka. Sonic ice and fruit snacks were favorites of Kathy’s, as was her “boyfriend” Wilson Contreras and the Chicago Cubs. Kathy loved listening to rap music and going fast. She enjoyed traveling, as she followed Jack around for his work. He was the love of her life.
On the morning of Saturday, June 4, 2022, Kathy passed away unexpectedly at her home in Lincoln, having reached the age of 59 years, 9 months, and 20 days. She was preceded in death by her father, Bobby Oakley.
Those left to remember her infectious laugh include her husband Jack of Lincoln; children and their spouses Katie Oakley (Rose Hallett) of Bangor, ME; Brock (Chelsea) Chase of Central City; Jennifer (Jonathan) Ryal of Salt Lake City, UT; Jack “Bo” Gross of Gaggs, WY; grandchildren Audryna, Makhaia, Elara, Lennon, and Oliver Chase, Fozzie, Rowlf, Cole Ryal, Hunter Gross; great-grandchild Carter Gross; mother Janet (Banks) (Oakley) Knipe of Auburn; step-mother Judy Oakley of Auburn; sisters Debra Armstrong (John Broich) of Maple Park, IL, Susie Kreifels (Johnny Curttright) of Auburn, Kimmie (Mike) Robertson of Lincoln; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A memorial service, officiated by Lori Gottula, was Saturday, June 11, 2022, at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn. Special prerecorded music was played.
Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.