Born April 27, 1930 in Easton, Pennsylvania
Departed December 22, 2023 in Indialantic, Florida
It is always difficult saying goodbye to one we love and cherish. On December 22, 2023 after a long illness, Kathleen Violet (Aagaard) Crooks peacefully passed away at her home in Indialantic, Florida at the age of 93 years old. At her side was her loving husband of 70 years, Kenneth E. Crooks, Esq. (Col. USAF Ret.), Florida Institute of Technology Associate Professor (Emeritus) as well as members of her immediate family. She is now in the welcoming hands of The Lord.
Kathy was very proud of her Danish heritage, having many “A’s” in her maiden name. She would smile when recalling Milton Eisenhower, then president of Penn State, introducing her to his brother, Dwight D. Eisenhower, as his “4 A student.”
Kathy was a steadfast loving military wife, who managed the household and raised five sons with a velvet fist during her husband’s 26-year Air Force career, including numerous Cold War deployments, Vietnam War tours and worldwide scientific research and development missions.
Throughout the years and across the country, Kathy gave of herself to church activities, needy families, wildlife conservation and youth organizations. For nearly two decades, she was proud to be recognized as the “Number One Fan” of the Satellite High Lady Scorpions Softball team. She was also a fervent patriot and served as a past president of the Brevard Federated Republican Women’s Club.
Although Kathy had varied and extensive interests, the essence of her whole life was always her large and loving family. She was a beloved wife, mom, grandma and revered matriarch, because all knew that she would be there whenever needed. Kathy will be dearly missed and will remain forever in our hearts.
Kathy was predeceased by her parents, Stanley A. Aagaard and Ethel (Smith) Aagaard, as well as her brother, Dr. Stanley A. Aagaard II. Left to cherish their memories of Kathy is her husband, Ken; her sons, Kenneth C. Crooks, Esq. (Rose), Dr. Kerry A. Crooks (Viviene), Col. (USAF Ret.) Kelley W. Crooks (Patty), Kristian “Andy” Crooks (Dawn), Lt. Col. (USAF Ret.) Kyle E. Crooks (Cindy); twelve grandchildren, Kenney Crooks (Stacey), Daniel Crooks (Jennifer), Courtney Crooks, Justin Crooks (Alexis), Katharine Crooks, Victoria Crooks, Kiyra Scheller (Austin), Karly Crooks, Kasey Crooks, Heather Crooks, Dakota Crooks (Josie), Hunter Crooks; thirteen great grandchildren; and her sister, Marilyn Martin (Evan).
Memorial service and celebration of Kathy’s life will be held at 6:00 pm, on January 26, 2024 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 106 North Riverside Drive, Indialantic, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in memory of Kathy to a charity of their choice, or to ones she held dear, such as the St. Joseph’s Indian School, in Chamberlin, South Dakota; the St. Labre Indian School, in Ashland, Montana; or charities supporting children who are blind or visually impaired.
9 entries.
Rhonda (Kyle’s sister in law) , Chris, Tori and Isabel Seilkop
wrote on January 22, 2024:
Our deepest sympathies to Dad Crooks, all of the Crooks family as well as loved ones and friends of Mom Crooks. We are so sorry for the sorrow you are going through. Sending all of you thoughts and prayers.
Kelley Crooks aka "Somebody"
from SAN ANTONIO wrote on January 16, 2024:
Your "peanut" loves you, Mom. You were so proud of your "Boys", and we felt that pride everywhere we went. So outgoing and friendly to everyone, ready to introduce them to whichever son you had in tow. You made everyone you met feel that they were important in the world. I felt your strength from my birth onward, between you and Pops, no wonder none of us take any guff from anyone. Immense love is what I feel in my heart for you, but an even greater thanks is in my thoughts for how you gave me life, love, strength, and wisdom. I will miss you terribly. Your #3 & Tex
Victoria "Tori" Crooks
from Bedford, TX wrote on January 15, 2024:
"Comment allez-vous?"
The phrase that my grandma, with multiple years of experience in French, used to say to me the most was that one: "How are you?" One of the first phrases you learn with the language, yet it really encapsulates what my grandma was like.
She always wanted to know what new developments were in my and my sister's life, whether it be new projects, new opportunities, or new loves. She was always supportive, whether it be towards charitable causes or her own family. Her charm and wit wowed presidents of academic institutions and federal governments. Her kindness was remembered by all who knew her, even a childhood friend after decades of separation.
My grandma brought love and peace to so many lives. I hope she finds that same love and peace now.
Je t'aimerai toujours, Grand-mère.
Andy Crooks # 4 son
from Indialantic wrote on January 14, 2024:
Mom,
I love you ! I was so blessed to have lived most of my life close by you and be there with you through all the fun and happy times and the times recently when you just needed me there. And you were always there for me in all my happy times and those I just needed you there! I still hear your voice “there is my Andy Pandy” and always greeted me with a smile even the last days of your life you opened your eyes and gave me that smile. Thank you! There is a void in my life now that you are gone that will never be completely filled but please continue listening to me because I’ll still be talking to you ! Love you Mom ! Talk to you soon! #4
Viviene Crooks
from Weatherford, TX wrote on January 11, 2024:
In memory of Mom, who always made me feel like part of the family. She always introduced me as her Scottish daughter-in-law and understood that my mum was over 4,000 miles away. Mom was incredibly supportive of us throughout my husband's doctoral studies and so proud of him when he graduated. Family was her rock and her foundation. She could light up a room with her personality and no one was a stranger for long. We all miss you, and we celebrate a life well lived.
Stephen k Balombini
from Palm Bay wrote on January 11, 2024:
I certainly remember that "velvet fist" whenever the KC's came to visit my Mom, Aunt Betty! She was firm and loving and I enjoyed the infrequent visits we had. I'm glad Uncle Ken (Pete) has so many in the area to support him at this time.
Katharine “Kate” Crooks
from Miami, FL wrote on January 9, 2024:
In loving memory of our dear Grandma, who touched our lives with warmth and kindness. One cherished memory is our frequent visits to Friendly’s, where her joy and love for us were evident to everyone. She spoke about her granddaughters with such pride that we became familiar faces at the diner. In the tapestry of my life, Grandma was a cherished thread, weaving moments of love and laughter. Her warmth, wisdom, and the way she made every Friendly’s visit feel like a celebration were the essence of her beautiful character. Her love lives on in our hearts, and those shared moments at Friendly’s will forever be a source of comfort and smiles. Rest in peace, Grandma.
Kyle Crooks
from Orlando wrote on January 9, 2024:
Amazing woman! Raised 5 boys while worrying about her husband’s safety as he flew for the military. She kept us all in line while making sure we all had food, clean clothes and whatever else we had to have to succeed. Worked and volunteered whenever doing so would help one of her boys whether it was an Air Force Base little league concession stand or a front office worker at Mulberry High School. I can’t imagine how hard it must have been to get 5 boys fed, dressed, and off to church on a Sunday morning … and then make sure they didn’t disrupt the service! She is loved immensely by all of us and everyone who had her life touched by this amazing woman. I miss you mom.
Dr. K.A. Crooks
from Weatherford,Texas wrote on January 9, 2024:
There have been many who have made an imprint on my life and character. But none like my mother. She was brave, steadfast, talented, beautiful, strong, intelligent and savvy. She had a natural instinct second-to-none. I didn’t even have to start a sentence or complete one to her - she already knew what I was meaning to say. She motivated me, and gently shoved me in the direction I needed to go. There are so many facets to her fantastic life that made her a marvel to all who knew her well. I will miss her voice, her smile and her support. She’s in a better place, straightening them out. Love you, Mom, forever.
Born April 27, 1930 in Easton, Pennsylvania