Karen Kay Rome

Karen Kay Rome, 72, of St. Augustine, passed away on Sept. 21, 2017, at Flagler Hospital with her family by her side. She was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas and briefly lived in Los Angeles, California. After moving back to Wichita, she met and married James Trowbridge Rome. The couple started their family in Wichita and moved to Savannah and later to Vero Beach, Florida. In 1984 they moved again to St. Augustine. Kay was a devoted wife, loving mother and homemaker. She also owned and operated a successful finish construction cleaning business for nearly a decade. She was an avid sports fan, and enjoyed following the Jacksonville Jaguars and the LA Dodgers and had her favorite NASCAR drivers. Her children called her the "coupon queen of the south" after watching her bring home a car load of groceries and most of the money that she took with her to the store. Kay was known to have a very giving heart. On many occasions, she would use her extreme couponing skills to give loads of food and supplies to the St. Francis House and others in need. Kay was also very handy around the house. She had acquired many skills over the years, including building her own house with her husband and family. She was a member of Church of Christ in Bunnell. More than anything Kay was a loving mother, friend to many, and she will be deeply missed.

She is survived by daughters, Tori Adcock (Scott) of Atlanta, Ga., Lori Keedy (David) of North Carolina; sons, Sean Rome (Bettina) of St. Augustine, Dave Rome of Orlando, Ryan Rome of St. Augustine; mother, Pauline Risley of Andover, Kansas; brothers, Paul Risley of Wichita, Ronald Risley of California; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, William Risley; brother, James Scott Rome; and husband, James Trowbridge Rome.

A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30, at St. Johns Family Funeral Home with the Rev. David Stidham officiating. A visitation, beginning at 10:30 a.m. will precede the service. Although flowers may be gifted, donations in her memory can be made to St. Francis House, 70 Washington St., St. Augustine, FL 32084 or online at http://stfrancisshelter.org/donate.htm.

St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.