Kathleen "Kate" Frankie (Douglas) Wilkins

Kate Wilkins, 97, passed away February 10, 2022.  She was born October 11, 1924 in Akron to the late Houston and Leola Douglas.  Kate was a lifelong resident of the Akron area, a graduate of Springfield High School and a retiree from the Co-op Grocery chain.  Also along with her husband Grant, she ran her own furniture reupholstering business.

Kate and Grant loved music and dancing, often spending their Saturday evening ballroom dancing at local nightclubs.  For years, Kate sang with the local chapter of Sweet Adeline’s International singing group, performing in Akron and regionally.  She was an excellent seamstress; possessed an innate sense of style and never met a person she could not engage in a friendly conversation.

Together, in what is now Green, Kate and Grant built the home where they would live most of their lives and raise their two sons.  They also built a cottage on South Bass Island on Lake Erie, where they enjoyed many vacations, boating, water skiing, fishing, and sing-along sessions with friends and local islanders at the local winery.

For decades, they planted a large garden providing fresh fruit and vegetables in season, while preserving some for the rest of the year.  Kate and Grant attributed their good health longevity to a lifetime of raising much of their own produce.

Besides her parents, Kate was preceded in death by her husband of 74 years, Grant; two brothers and a sister.  She is survived by her sons, Rick (Evelyn) and Brian (Judy) Wilkins; grandchildren, Jennifer Wilkins, Alec Wilkins and Rachel (Darren) Pierce; great grandchildren, Grant and Micah.

A memorial service will be held at NOON on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at Schermesser Funeral Home, 600 E. Turkeyfoot Lake Road, Akron, Ohio 44319 with Pastor Sharon Bauman officiating.  Family and friends may call on Saturday from 11 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home.  A private family inurnment will take place at East Liberty Cemetery at a later date.  Memorial contributions can be made in Kate’s name to Millheim United Church of Christ, 2260 Myersville Road, Akron, Ohio 44312.  To leave a special message online for the family, visit our website at www.schermesserfh.com.

SCHERMESSER
(330) 899-9107
www.schermesserfh.com

Memorial Contributions:

Millheim United Church of Christ   
2260 Myersville Road   
Akron, Ohio 44312

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