Cathy Lynn Riegler, 76, of Northern Kentucky, passed on to Heaven peacefully on October 11, 2026, in the presence of her family.

Born March 16, 1950, Cathy was the only child of Carl and Catherine Theis. Cathy’s mom was her best friend and raised her in Latonia, KY.

On August 17, 1968, shortly after she graduated from Holmes High School, Cathy married James “Jim” E. Riegler. They spent almost six decades together, doing their best to help their children know the depth of God’s love and the wideness of His mercy. Over the years, they opened their home to many foster children, considering it an honor to be able to share their love and faith.

As a lifelong Christian, Cathy was looking forward to meeting her Heavenly Father in person and to seeing her mom again. Cathy could often be found humming the old hymns while tapping her foot in rhythm.

Cathy was a keeper of memories. She saved her children’s photographs, cards, school papers, awards and mementos in the hope of passing them on to their children someday. She also held on tightly to belongings of her beloved mother, the most precious of which was the pink dress.

The greatest source of purpose and joy in Cathy's life came from her daycare. For over 30 years, she operated a daycare from her home in Independence, caring for more than 100 children—from newborns through school age. She considered herself not simply a daycare provider, but a teacher, and she took great pride in the work she did. Throughout the years, many of the families she cared for remained in contact with her, and Cathy continued to talk about the children long after they had grown into adults.

She is survived by her husband, Jim; her children, Debbie Mitchell (Brian), Dawn Utter (Norwood Utter III), and Jim Riegler (Sally); grandchildren, Zakaria Nova and Savannah Riegler, whom Cathy and Jim raised in their home; and her granddaughter, Hope, with whom she loved to do art projects.

Cathy's family will gather with friends to honor her life at Floral Hills Funeral Home in Taylor Mill, KY Monday, October 19, 2026. The viewing will be from 11 am to 1 pm, followed by a service. Cathy’s only request was that her loved ones join in singing “I'll Fly Away,” one of her favorite hymns.

Afterwards, the family will have a private burial at the site Cathy chose—near the woods “so the deer can come out and visit me.”