Katherine Rose Parlato

Kathy Parlato entered eternal life on October 2, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

The third of eight children, Kathy was born on April 27, 1961, to Robert and Geraldine McNitt in Moses Lake, Washington. After a few early military moves, the family settled in Colorado where Kathy spent most of her childhood. Growing up with seven siblings, you’d think it would be hard to stand out. But that certainly wasn’t the case with Kathy. An avid sprinter in her early years, she collected many medals and ribbons, making her daddy proud and enjoying the ice cream afterwards (with maybe a little jealousy from her siblings). Kathy was, and continued to be, the sparkplug of the family - a name affectionately given by her dad.

After much prayer hoping to find the perfect soulmate, Jeff spotted Kathy at a picnic and knew right then. She was the one! The icing on the cake was when they started playing catch and she threw the perfect football spiral. They married in 1983, then moved to Apple Valley, Minnesota for the first few years, with Tony arriving in 1985.

In 1987, they moved to Oak Creek, Wisconsin, welcoming Maria in 1988. During these early years, Kathy worked odd jobs but mainly focused on family and watching other kids in the neighborhood. The Parlato house quickly became the hang out spot with the best snacks around. Living close to Jeff’s family really cemented her relationship with them, fitting right in with the craziness.

Jeff’s work took them to Flower Mound, Texas in 1994. In addition to running the household, Kathy took a job as a cafeteria worker, which allowed her to be off work when the kids were off school. All the kids loved Kathy, and not just because she gave out extra chicken tenders, but because she truly cared about all the kids and brightened their day with her positive spirit. It was there in Texas that Jeff and Kathy met their best friends, Pete and Terri.

Leaving Texas was hard, but another move took the family to Olathe, Kansas in 1998. There, Kathy worked as a para-educator for ten years, mostly working with pre-k children with learning or physical challenges. She absolutely loved her job, loved the kids and the people she worked with.

One last move took Jeff and Kathy to Roanoke, Texas in 2009. Leaving the kids back in Kansas was very hard for Kathy, although many visits helped ease that pain. Reuniting with Pete and Terri and making new friends has been a true blessing. Words cannot express how much she loved and cherished them.

Kathy had many interests but family, friends, and her Catholic faith were her dearest passions. She also loved her dogs Lucky and Frankie and her ability to teach them so many different tricks was amazing. God was always first, and she was adamant that her passing not cause us to lose faith but to believe in God’s bigger plan. She was a shining light to those who had the privilege of knowing her. Her passing will leave a gaping hole in our hearts but knowing she’s with Jesus gives us comfort.

Kathy is survived by her loving husband Jeff, son Tony (Stephanie) Parlato, daughter Maria (Eric) Marshall, granddaughters Anabelle and Gianna Parlato, and Rory Marshall, her mother Geraldine McNitt, brothers Robert McNitt and Shawn (Sarah) McNitt, sisters Rita Mahoney, Linda McNitt, Chris (Tony) Gerarde, Laura McNitt and Theresa (Dave) Mariea. She is further survived by her mother-in-law Janice Parlato, sisters-in-law Julie (Ron) Sarnowski and Lisa Parlato (Tim), brother-in-law Joe (Carrie) Parlato, nieces, nephews and friends. Kathy was predeceased by her father Robert McNitt, Jr., nephew Michael Mahoney and father-in-law Ken Parlato.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 19th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m., at Lucas Funeral Home in Keller, Texas. A Funeral Mass will take place on Monday, October 20th, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Keller, Texas immediately followed by a reception at a to be determined location. Private interment Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, KS.

Special thanks to Dr. Krekow and her wonderful nurse Krystal at Texas Oncology. Thanks as well to the beautiful angels at Heart-to-Heart Hospice for their support and care.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org in Kathy’s memory.