News Summary
The Sarasota community gathered in a heartfelt remembrance for Kathleen Holt Bobbitt and Abe Beachy, two cherished residents known for their warmth and dedication. Their legacies of love, service, and community spirit were acknowledged by family and friends, ensuring that their memories will live on in the hearts of many.
Community Comes Together to Remember Two Beloved Residents of Sarasota
In a heartfelt gathering of love and remembrance, the community of Sarasota recently mourned the loss of two cherished residents: Kathleen Holt Bobbitt and Abe Beachy. Both individuals left behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and dedication that touched the lives of many.
Kathleen Holt Bobbitt: A Life Filled with Love and Service
Kathleen Holt Bobbitt, fondly known as Kathy, was born on April 22, 1944, in Jacksonville, Florida. After a long fight with complications related to Lewy Bodies Dementia, Kathy passed away on October 6, 2025, in Sarasota, leaving a profound impact on her loved ones. Kathy’s early life blossomed in the San Marco area of Jacksonville, where she not only pursued her academics but also embraced athletics as a member of the tennis team at Landon High School.
Graduating in 1962, Kathy carried her spirit of achievement forward to Florida State University, where she graduated in 1966. During her time at university, she cherished her role in the Phi Mu Sorority. In the same year, she married Kimball Bobbitt in Jacksonville, and together they shared 55 beautiful years of marriage until Kimball’s passing in 2021.
Besides being a loving wife and mother, Kathy was a sister to her surviving brothers Albert, Charles, and Hugh. Her family legacy continues through her two devoted sons, Russell and Jeffrey, who also raised beautiful children. Her grandchildren, including Nathan, Nicholas (who is married to Taylor), William, and Samantha, filled her life with joy.
Kathy had a diverse range of passions. Besides her love for tennis and golf, she found joy in gardening, proudly earning her Master Gardener designation. She was the heart and soul of the Ribbons Gift Boutique, which she ran for over 12 years in Siesta Village and Southside Village. Her love for animals, especially her Shizu puppies Tori, Penny, and Sparkle, added to the warmth of her home.
A dedicated member of the Church of the Palms, Kathy embraced Sunday worship services as a part of her routine. Her family expressed gratitude to The Tides at Bay Village for the care and comfort extended to her. The family plans to hold a burial service in Jacksonville to honor her memory, echoing their desire for donations to be made to the Church of the Palms instead of sending flowers.
Abe Beachy: The Ever-Wholesome Family Man
Abe was a man of many talents and contributed significantly to his community. A farmer by trade for many years in Ohio, he served as the first Business Manager at Rosedale Bible College before moving to Sarasota in 1972. His keen business sense led him to work in aluminum, co-own an auto repair shop, manage restaurants, and lend a hand to the elderly.
Abe was a valued member of the Sarasota Community Church, where he not only attended but taught Sunday school classes and was actively involved in the Visitation Committee. Known for his quick wit and infectious laughter, he loved sharing stories of his motorcycle trips with his sons. Despite facing health challenges in recent years, his resilience shone through in his positive outlook.
Friends and family gathered to commemorate Abe during visitation at the Sarasota Community Church on September 18, 2025, before a scheduled internment at Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home and a celebration of life service the following day.
The community has lost two incredible souls, but the spirit of Kathy and Abe will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all those who knew and loved them. Their legacies will remain forever cherished in the vibrant tapestry of Sarasota.
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Additional Resources
- Herald Tribune: Kathleen Holt Bobbitt Obituary
- Wikipedia: Lewy Body Dementia
- Dignity Memorial: Abe Beachy Obituary
- Google Search: Abe Beachy
- Legacy: William Evison Obituary
- Google Scholar: Community Events in Sarasota
- Syracuse Obits: Judith Allen Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- Dignity Memorial: John Miller Obituary
- Google News: Obituaries
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