Kathryn Ann Dinges

Kathryn Ann (Sellon) Dinges, 78, of Rochester Hills, Michigan passed away on September 19, 2025. Kathy was born in Detroit, Michigan on July 12, 1947, the daughter of William Sellon and Kathryn (Fischer) Sellon.

Kathy died peacefully, with her family at her side. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2019, which she courageously fought for 6 years with the support of her family and friends.

She is survived by her husband Richard and daughter Ashley (Alex). She is also survived by sisters-in-law Mary (Bernard) Smith and Coleen Dinges. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, brother-in-law Robert Dinges, mother-in-law Mildred (Burkett) Dinges and father-in-law Guy Dinges. Kathy is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Kathy grew up in Detroit and graduated from Henry Ford High School in 1965. She attended Eastern Michigan University and was a member of Sigma Nu Phi sorority. While in high school and college, she met many of her lifelong friends - a group that affectionately called themselves "The Girls." One of Kathy's greatest joys was being blessed with these everlasting friendships. From those beloved friends, she affectionately earned the nicknames of "Ruby" and "Big Red" - a nod to her bright red hair.

Kathy and Rich were married on January 31, 1970 in Detroit. The next day, the newlyweds moved to San Diego, California, where they lived for the first years of their marriage. They later moved to Ohio and New York before returning to their home state of Michigan, where Kathy worked as the office manager for a manufacturing company founded by her uncle. In 1985, she left that position to raise her daughter, and the family moved to Rochester Hills.

During Ashley's childhood, Kathy was a devoted and active volunteer in the media centers at McGregor Elementary School and West Middle School. Being an avid reader herself, she supported the students and educators in both schools for nearly 10 years.

Kathy had many creative hobbies. She was exceptionally skilled at counted cross stitch, often creating pieces as gifts for her friends. As an adult, she learned to play the piano. She loved to travel and especially loved visiting her daughter in New York City, seeing Broadway productions and exploring the city. She enjoyed going to art fairs and shopping with her mother, daughter and friends. She also loved her cats, both of whom lived for more than twenty years.

Kathy and Rich have been season football ticketholders at the University of Michigan for more than three decades, and spent every fall weekend in Ann Arbor alongside their college friends.

Above all, Kathy treasured her family and lifelong friends. She had an infectious laugh, a mischievous spirit, and a heart full of kindness and generosity. Whether she was lovingly teasing her nieces and nephews, playing pranks on her brothers-in-law, or singing along to her favorite music, Kathy brought laughter and joy to every moment. Her kindness, humor and generosity is woven into the hearts of all those who knew and loved her.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 25 at 10am, with a celebration of life beginning at 11:30am, at Potere-Modetz Funeral Home, 339 Walnut Boulevard, Rochester, MI. A lunch reception will follow from 1-3pm at Saint 1881 restaurant.

Donations in Kathy's honor may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (www.Alz.org).