Kathleen "Kathi" Riegle

Kathleen "Kathi" Riegle, 71, passed away Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Born in Syracuse, NY she was the daughter of the late James Miller Maloney, and Carrie Ruth Maloney.

Kathi was born the oldest of seven children. Her father was in the Air Force and she would often tell stories about her time on McGuire AFB. As the oldest of seven she often had the duty of helping with her siblings as they traveled the country from base to base. This undoubtedly helped shape her maternal instincts and joy for helping others.

Kathi never met a stranger. She would talk to anyone anywhere like they had been friends forever. She would occasionally get a funny look, but she didn't care. Most of the time people welcomed her warm disposition and she could put a smile on anyone's face.

As a young mother she took herself to night school to learn accounting. She started her career at Dunroven Stud Farm in Lexington, KY where she honed her skill of numbers. She worked for several prominent corporations including Sherman Carter Barnhart Architects, Carvel Ice Cream and Givaudan. After leaving the corporate world she found her true calling working for the Catholic Diocese of Lexington. In this role she found her greatest fulfillment. Traveling throughout Eastern Kentucky, Kathi took great pride in bringing her knowledge of finance from the corporate world to churches across the Bluegrass and Appalachia. She loved the work but most importantly she loved the people.

Her greatest pride in life was being mom, yes, even through the moody teenage years! Blessed to be her son, I could write a novel about her as a mom but I will say she was my rock and I will deeply miss her guidance, especially as Ann and I navigate our own moody teenagers. Her greatest joy however was becoming a grandmother to Grant and Brooke. Weekends at Grandma's were an adventure to say the least. The only rule at grandmas were that "there were no rules" and "everyone gets what they want". That was fine and dandy until the kids came home all sugared up and didn't want to go to bed.

Over the years we developed a fondness for vacationing in St. Simons Island, taking trips to Dollywood, baking cookies with the kids and attending many, many swim meets. Everything she did, she did for her family. Everywhere she lived, she turned into a home.

She is survived by her son Chad Riegle, daughter-in-law Ann Claire and their two children Grant (12) & Brooke (5). Her siblings Patty Halenkamp (John), Dennis Maloney (Elaine), Tim Maloney (Roxy), Mike Maloney as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Kathi's Funeral Mass will be held at 11am Saturday, March 7th at St. Peter Catholic Church, 125 Barr Street Lexington, KY. Doors will open an hour before service. The family will be hosting a reception immediately following the Mass. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery at a later date.

In Kathi's memory, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Joseph Mission Workers addressed to 1310 West Main Street, Lexington, KY 40508.