Kathryn Rigell

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kathryn “Toosie” (as her beloved family and friends called her) Rigell on March 31, 2026 in Titusville, Florida, where she and her husband, the late Ike Rigell, lived for over 70 years.

Kathryn was born December 4, 1927, in Empire, Alabama. While working at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, Kathryn met Ike Rigell who was then employed by the Army Ballistic Missile Agency, on a blind date. They were married three months later, and soon moved to Florida when the NASA Launch Operations Center was formed and located on Merritt Island. Ike and Kathryn settled in Titusville where they raised their four children, David, Mona, Amy, and Scott.

As a dedicated Christian, Kathryn and her family enjoyed attending St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church where she was instrumental in developing their Memorial Garden. As her children grew older, the family became active members of Park Avenue Baptist Church where she spearheaded the creation of “The Lord’s Garden”, in honor of Peter and Johnnie Lord.

Kathryn was an excellent cook, and the kitchen was her favorite room in the house. Most Sundays after church, she would host several of their children’s friends and neighbors for a grand Southern feast. She always emphasized importance of social etiquette and Southern hospitality. Her homemade cinnamon rolls, often prepared with the assistance of grandchildren, were legendary.

In recent years, Ike and Kathryn moved to The Great Outdoors (TGO)and joined the TGO Community Church. She continued to use her knowledge and love of nature as a Master Gardner as she served on TGO Beautification Committee for many years.

Their home in the Great Outdoors became the center of their family legacy, and the meeting place for many family reunions. There, Kathryn and Ike would eagerly welcome their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren on or around almost every major holiday. Kathryn and Ike spent hours upon hours making that house not only a home, but a museum, displaying photographs, family heirlooms, Ike’s space and WWII memorabilia, and beautiful antiques. She, of course, also created a beautiful butterfly garden in the backyard, with her own custom “Toosie’s Garden” display, where she and Ike spent hours watching the abundant wildlife and beautiful sunsets.

In their retirement years, Kathryn and Ike found adventure towing their Airstream RV throughout most the United States. Their love for travel also took them to Europe on several occasions, including sailing to England on the Queen Mary II, and breaking the sound barrier as they flew the Concorde back across the Atlantic. During trips to Russia and China, Kathryn and Ike always prioritized sharing the gospel, with Kathryn even smuggling bibles in the hem of her dress. Locally, they enjoyed taking their antique Land Rover to explore less traveled roads throughout Brevard County, and particularly the Meritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

After Ike went to heaven in 2022, Kathryn became even more appreciative of the Pastoral care and teaching given by Dr. David Price, J.B. Kump, and Mr. Zahn from TGO Community Church. In addition to regular Sunday services, Kathryn attended two weekly bible studies at the church and became a regular at the Singulars’ gatherings which she very much enjoyed.

Kathryn’s life is best described as one marked by her love for God and His beautiful Creation, and her love and dedication to Ike and their ever-growing family, and her many friends. She dressed up and put on lipstick every day she was able, and would look for opportunities to bless others, including complete strangers. When asked (as she was often) the source of her obvious happiness and joy, she would proudly proclaim, “Beans, Greens, and the Peace of the Lord!”.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Dr. Susan Dennard, who selflessly and lovingly guided and walked alongside us throughout Toosie’s medical issues and illnesses the last few years of her life. Also, thank you to James and Michelle Dennard whose reliable presence enabled Toosie to be cared for in her home. Additionally, we would like to acknowledge and thank Toosie’s incredible caregivers, Sindra and Tanya, who treated our dear mother with extraordinary love and professional care.

Kathryn is survived by her children David Rigell (Vicki), Mona Fulmer (Rich), Amy Hendricks (Clay), and Scott Rigell (Debbie); grandchildren David Isom Rigell (Kelly), Brittany Rigell, Rebecca Gamaitoni (Josh), Amy Fosner (Brent), Kathryn Terraferma (Frank), Elizabeth Laconi (Nick), Tim Dennard (Susan), James Dennard (Michelle), Lindsey Burke (O.E.), Mallory Andrews (Jackson), Justus Rigell (Lauren), Shannon Smith (Taylor); and great-grandchildren Laney, Nora, Dempsey, Flora, Xander, Everly, Eloise, Davie, Nathan, Abigail, Ivey Jane, Chloe, Lincoln, Charlotte, Jackson, William, O.E. IV, Lexie Grace, Parks, Reese, Cade, Rhett, Hugh,

Walt, and Josephine. She was preceded in heaven by her husband of 67 years, Ike, and her great granddaughter, Morgan Lynn Verner.

The family extends a warm invitation to all friends and loved ones to join us for Kathryn’s joyful Celebration of Life at Park Ave. Baptist Church on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 2 pm, with a reception to follow. Colorful attire is requested.

Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made in Kathryn’s honor to North Brevard Charities, 4495 South Hopkins Avenue, Titusville, FL 32780.