Kathie Lynn Gamlin, 70, of Rockford-formerly of Belvidere-passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on November 21, 1954, in Belvidere, she was the cherished daughter of James and Barbara (Anderson) Ohlsen. Kathie was a proud graduate of Belvidere High School, Class of 1972, and went on to earn her nursing degree from Parkland Junior College following a lifelong calling to care for others.

Kathie was united in marriage to the love of her life, Richard Gamlin, on August 10, 1974. Together, they built a home full of laughter, love, and the comforting chaos that comes with raising a family. She was a woman of quiet strength and deep compassion-traits that served her well throughout her career as a nurse. Later in her professional life, she retired as the Head of Purchasing and Supplies from Van Matre Health Rehabilitation Institute, where her warmth and dedication touched many lives.

Kathie attended First United Methodist Church in Belvidere and grounded her life in kindness and faith. She had a soft spot for animals-especially her beloved dogs Maggie and Pepper-and took great joy in tending to her yard. In quieter moments, you'd often find her lost in a Stephen King novel, with a pup by her side.

Above all, Kathie was a devoted mom, grandma, sister, and friend. She leaves behind her sons, Jonathan (Heather Knoll) Gamlin and Erik (Melissa) Gamlin; her adored grandchildren, Lani (Kolton) Oakes, Skylar, Hunter, Kendall, Bennett Gamlin and Thorin Knoll; and her great-granddaughter, Millie Oakes. She is also survived by her siblings, Linda (Larry) Lyford, Jamie Hoium, and Lisa (Dion) Torio; many nieces, nephews, cousins; and her loyal Yorkie, Pepper.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Richard, daughter-in-law, Sara Gamlin and her dog Maggie.

Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Funeral & Cremation Services, 4301 N. Main St., Rockford. Pastor Erik Ness, from Cornerstone Family Church in Byron will officiate.

Kathie's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Anam Memory Care and Mo Cara Hospice, who cared for her with such tenderness.

Memorials may be made to UW Health for Melanoma Research https://www.wiscmedicine.org/cancer
To share a memory or leave a condolence, please visit www.graceFH.com .