Kristin S. Rothgarber Died September 26, 2019

Kristin S. Rothgarber

1970 ~ 2019

 Heaven has gained a beautiful angel.  Kristen Sheryl Rothgarber was an amazing daughter, sister, friend and most of all, a wonderful, loving mother to her son, Jackson.


Kristin was born November 27, 1970 in Traverse City.  Even though she was given her angel wings too early, she touched everyone’s heart she met.


Kristen attended Suttons Bay Schools and graduated in 1989; she also attended Muskegon Business College.  During high school Kristin participated in track, skiing, jazz and concert band.  She made lifelong friends and memories at school.


While in school she started working at Sugar Loaf on the golf course and most memorable on the slopes.  She taught countless children how to ski and would help run races for the Specials Olympics.  After Sugar Loaf Kristen started working for North Med and then the Hagerty Insurance Company, where she made many more friends. 


In 2012, she gave birth to her miracle baby boy; Jackson was truly a gift from God. Kristin’s kindness and love will always be seen in Jackson’s heart; she loved him forever and always said, “I love you to the moon and back.”  Kristin said that each and every day and night to Jackson.


Kristin Loved warm, sunny weather. She loved boating, sunbathing, taking her son to the beach or taking him on hiking adventures.  She also enjoyed creating masterpieces in her kitchen, whether it was tasty sweets or delicious meals, she had a real passion for cooking with her own creative flair.


She had been teaching Jackson how to cook since he was a toddler.  Mother and son created countless masterpiece meals and treats and especially loved sending treats for his classmates at school.  Her culinary touches were personal, many from scratch, and also made up her own recipes. 


Reading stories to Jackson’s first grade during class time were some of her favorite times as was chaperoning for all of his school field trips.  She was a very active, caring and loving mother to her son.


Party planning was a passion for Kristin, and she loved to decorate for each and every holiday.  Her very favorite was Halloween, where she could decorate over the top; plan events, dress up, and take Jackson out trick-or-treating for that evening.  Kristen loved dressing up and giving out candy to trick-or-treaters even before Jackson was born.


Kristin is survived by her son, Jackson; her parents, Bob and Gloria Rothgarber; her siblings, Derek (Carrie Flaska) Rothgarber and Carly Rothgarber; her grandfather, Gerald Walters; her love, Jeff Dewey; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.  She is also survived by her former husband, Matt Demitz; and his parents, Eleanor “Ellie” and Dwight Demitz.


Her eternal wings have taken her to be with her maternal grandmother, Pauline (Sharnowski) Walters; and her paternal grandparents, Edward Sr. & Dorthy (Garton) Rothgarber.


A memorial mass will be held on October 19 at 10 a.m. at St Francis Church with family greeting friends one hour prior.  A celebration of Kristin’s life will also be held on October 19 from 1 to 6 p.m at the VFW Cherryland Post 2780, 3400 Veterans Drive, Traverse City.


In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund for Kristin’s son, Jackson, has been set up.  You may send checks or cards directed to Jackson Demitz, 389 W Century Road, Maple City, MI 49664.


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