***** TRIBUTE UPDATED *****
Kathryn Segrest Strickland, 44, a native of Auburn, AL and a resident of Foley, AL, passed away on Sunday, December 18, 2022.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 11:00am at Town Creek Cemetery, 1150 S. Gay Street, Auburn, AL. All are invited to attend.
Kathryn graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Zoology. She also perfected her writing of wonderful poetry, which continued the rest of her life. Working as a veterinary technician for over 20 years, her love of all animals only continued to grow. She brought happiness to her coworkers and impressed many with her ability to calm frightened, unruly, and aggressive animals with her warmth and love which was always accompanied by silly high pitched song she made up for each one.
Kathryn’s ability to spread light and joy to every person and animal she could was shared from The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee to the Jacksonville Zoo to Pet Vet in Auburn, Alabama, to Acadian Animal Clinic in Crowley, Louisiana and finally to Rankin Animal Clinic in Fairhope, Alabama.
Kathryn is preceded in death by her mother, Mary Jones and grandparents, May and Hunter Kendall and Clyde and Doris Jones. She is survived by her loving husband of 16 years, Benjamin Strickland; her fur babies, Agnes her Basset Hound, her Pitty, Poe, her Shih Tzu Lulu, her cats, Violet and Munster, and her turtle, Gossamer. She is also survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Jones and one brother, Benjamin Jones.
There will be a memorial visitation to celebrate Kathryn’s life at Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road in Daphne, AL, on Thursday, December 29, 2022, from 1:00 – 3:00PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, Alabama Coastal Foundation (Share the Beach) Program, and/or any local no-kill animal shelters.
Expressions of condolence for the family may be made at www.hughesfh.com. Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.
Kat was a wonderful asset at For paws in Auburn the first few years s we were open. She especially loved Squatty body dogs. She never met a four legged creature she didn’t love.
When my heart dog died in 2006 she had the most wonderful thoughtful picture made. I’ll never forget that kindness and love.
Many hugs and much love to everyone who knew her. This loss is bigger than we could imagine.
I know all my babies who have crossed the rainbow bridge greeted Kat with lots of love.
No words could ever explain the impact you made on my life Kat and so many others. I’m so happy You
approved of Roman because who else would interrogate my boyfriends now?!? 😅 I love you so much I’m
Glad you aren’t hurting but here on earth we are always going to miss you until we get to see you
Again. Kat I just hope
You know how much so many people/pets loved and will
Always love you, we won’t be the same but we can atleast know you are happy now and take comfort in fact that you are watching over us. We will see you
At the golden gates one day but in the mean time thank you for taking care of all
Of our pets that have passed through them! RIP
We are so very very sorry to hear about this. Our deepest sympathies to her entire family.
Alan & Jean Mitchell
When I moved to Fairhope one of my first priorities was to find a vet that not only I approved but most importantly my dogs. Met Dr. Rankin and Mrs Kathryn and first thing both did was get on the floor to greet my dog Ellie. Mrs Kathryn confessed how much she loved scotties and has always wanted one. I knew then this was going to be our vet. Mrs Kathryn was tickled pink when found out few years later I had gotten another scottie Adleigh for her to meet. My dogs are a huge part of my family and it means alot to me to have someone treat them and love them like I do. I never knew Mrs Kathryn personally but she will definitely be missed by my girls and I at every visit. Thank you for being you. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
You were always a bright spot when we visited Rankin”s. Your soothing voice and calming manner helped relax Sadie and her anxious parents. Your smiling face and gentle ways will be greatly missed.
I met sweet Kathryn when we relocated our family and dogs to Fairhope in June. One of the first things we did was find a veterinarian near our home. We have 7 dogs and a cat and Kathryn immediately loved our Great Pyrenees babies. She just recently gave our sweet girl Daisy her first formal grooming. She was amazing with my Daisy who is always scared to leave our house. She even put a pink bow in her hair so she could be a princess dog! Heaven gained the best angel ever!
My Sweet Kathryn how you will be missed by so many .. you were with me and guided me through one of the most difficult times in my life.. I don’t know what I would have done without you.. the only way I can make my broken heart feel better is to imagine what is happening in the Heavens since you arrived..
I know there are so many tails wagging and wings flapping and so many licks and snuggling going on.. I know my LilyBea was at the front of the pack to greet you.. fly high Sweetheart.. you earned those wings..Love and miss you always..
Mrs. Kathryn brought our family such joy every visit to Dr. Rankin’s. She never missed a chance to come and hold our Max. Her radiant smile, sweet and kind personality was something we always looked forward to each visit. She radiated a love for animals and their people. We will miss her greatly and send our heartfelt sympathies to her family and friends. May God grant comfort and peace.
My dearest Kat, we’ve known each other for 25 years and the sudden news of your passing has broken my heart. This world is darker now without your light in it, you gave so much of yourself to your friends, your mom, and all the animals every where. May you finally get to squeeze on Meriweather without her running from you. You are greatly missed. I hope you are dancing with fairies or walking with the elephants now.
Kathryn, I know you are loving and singing to so many, many animals at The Bridge who are delighted to see you again. You loved all animals fiercely, yours, those of your clients and any animal that needed you.
Hug my basset girl, Eleanor, for me.
Love you!
There are no words to express how important you were to so many. No words to describe how kind, compassionate, soft-hearted, caring or loving you were to everyone that crossed your path. Your beautiful soul and contagious smile will be missed dearly.