Kathy L. Arft

Kathy Lou Arft passed away peacefully in her home in Rochester Hills, Mich. on January 25, 2024.

Born on November 3, 1956, Kathy was the eldest child and only daughter of Karen and James Arft. She grew up in Britton, Mich. where she was raised on the farm that had been passed down through three generations. As a child, Kathy enjoyed the simple pleasures of her small-town community while surrounded in love by her parents, grandparents, and younger brothers.

Upon graduating from Britton-Macon Area Schools where she attended from kindergarten through 12th grade, Kathy ventured out into the world by moving to Tuxedo Park in New York to become a nanny to the Sonne family. She later moved to Malibu, Calif. where she worked first as a nanny for the Cass family, and later as a travel agent and bookkeeper.

Never having married, Kathy spent her life embracing her family, the children she cared for, the pets she adored, and the friendships she cherished. She possessed a guileless spirit and a loyal heart, taking pleasure in the simple things in life and eagerly extending encouragement and support to those around her.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Karen and James Arft, and her brothers, James (Jimmy) and John Arft. Her memory is honored and upheld by her surviving brother, Jack Arft, and her nieces and nephews, Alex, Dru, Mary, and Lily Arft, as well as her extended family and her extensive network of friends.

Friends and family are invited to share their memories, thoughts, and photographs to Kathy’s Tribute Wall at pursemartinez.com.

Kathy’s life story is a testimony to the values of love, faith, and community. She reveled in simple pleasures like a great meal, a warm blanket, and a shared laugh. Despite the many challenges she faced in her final years including a series of strokes which left her partially paralyzed and blind, she rarely complained. Quite the contrary, she found joy, meaning, and gratitude in the experiences and interactions of her daily life, and was thankful for even the smallest kindness she encountered. She will be deeply missed, and her spirit will forever bloom in the hearts of all who knew her.

Graveside services and burial took place Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024 at Ridgeway Cemetery, Ridgeway Township, Mich. 

Arrangements entrusted to Purse Martinez Funeral Home, Tecumseh, Mich. 

Condolences may be offered and video tribute can be viewed at pursemartinez.com.