Mrs. Grace Kathleen Lowman Ribet, departed this earth to her Heavenly Home on April 15, 2024. She went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, after a long and full life of service.
Born to Floyd and Fannie Deal Lowman on October 15, 1933, in Valdese, NC She was a faithful Christian, talented musician, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was the youngest member of the Lowman family, sister to Roland, Willie, Fred, Eva Mae, Arthur and Floyd Jr. (Who passed away as a babe). She loved her mother, Father, brothers and sister dearly.
Kathleen’s love extended to her two daughters, Ninette (Todd) McKinney and Cherisse (Wayne) Christian, who will always remember her commitment to God and His service. Her four grandchildren and families, Macy Kathleen Christian, Ethan (Subrina) Christian, Jonah Christian and Alex (Amanda) McKinney will carry her memory and legacy. Kathleen was also blessed to see three great-grandchildren born to her family. Drake, Sullivan and Franky brought much joy to her final years. Preceded in death by her parents, brothers and sister, Kathleen’s memory will be cherished and kept alive by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A graduate of Valdese High School in 1952, Kathleen dedicated her life to music. For over 60 years, she played piano, taught piano lessons, and directed music for her church and other choirs. Kathleen also played piano for many area quartets and gospel singing groups. She was a long-standing member of Icard’s Grove Baptist Church, and it was her testimony to share the love of Christ through Song in her church and community. Kathleen worked at the Alba-Waldensian Hosiery Mill for 12 years and was a kindergarten assistant at Rutherford College Elementary for 22 years, bringing her music and creativity into the classroom.
Services to honor God for the life of Kathleen Lowman Ribet will be held on Thursday April 18, 2024, at 2:30 PM at Heritage Funeral Services, at 1507 Main St. E., Valdese, NC, with Rev. Eldon Hinegarner officiating. Interment will follow in the Burke Memorial Park.
Viewing will be from 2 until 2:30 P.M. Thursday at Heritage Funeral Service.
The family would like to express their deep gratitude to Caldwell County Hospice for their loving care, kindness, and concern given to Kathleen and her family during a most difficult time.
An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com.
Kathleen was by far the finest pianist I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet. She gave me lessons when I was much younger and made a tremendous impact on my playing style. Beyond that, she had a heart of gold and a wonderful attitude of humor. She will be greatly missed.
Kathleen (Ms. Ribet) was a force of nature to we small kids in Kindergarten where she worked with Ms. Duncan at Rutherford College. She was firm and guiding to all children, especially with music. Growing up in Icard’s Grove Baptist, Kathleen would direct the bell choir, Sunday choir, Christmas play, and specials; besides her amazing capacity for playing the piano. She pushed to find the talent in each of us.
My deepest sympathy in the loss of your mother. May God grant you comfort in this time of sorrow.
We met Kathleen and her wonderful two daughters 40 years ago when our son Todd married her daughter Ninette. We enjoyed keeping in touch with her over the years. We especially enjoyed the past 2 1/2 years when she lived next door to us in Florida. She was a Christian woman who loved her family, friends and
church. She was a talented musician and artist and she reflected the beauty in this world through her music and art. We will miss our visits with her and our conversations about her life growing up with her brothers and sister in NC. She will truly be missed.
Nanette and Cherisse, your mother was a wonderful person. I’m glad that I had the pleasure of knowing her. May God give you comfort in the days ahead.
Oh Cherisse and Ninette….. how I loved Kathleen! I’m so sorry to have missed her Home Going service. She was a beautiful and brilliant soul. She had so many talents and used them to bring us joy and bring people together. How blessed you were to share many years with her. I am praying for you, your children and grandchildren.
I am so sorry to hear of Kathleen’s passing. She was so talented. i always enjoyed hearing her play the organ.
She was a lovely neighbor while I was residing at my grandfather’s house. Praying for all of you.
I am so sorry to hear of Kathleen’s-passing. I enjoyed every minute of working with her at RCES and will treasure her friendship forever. She was a remarkable woman of manly talents and a role model for all
that were blessed with her presence.