Kathleen Violet (Aagaard) Crooks
Born April 27, 1930 in Easton, PennsylvaniaDeparted 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.
