Kathy Renee Garrett

Kathy Renee Garrett, 66, of Poplar Grove, Illinois — formerly of Aurora — passed away peacefully on August 24, 2026, in her home, surrounded by the people she loved most. And if you knew Kathy, you know that circle was enormous.

Born in Aurora, Illinois to Harvey and Glenda (Wallace) Meadows, Kathy lived life with a spark that never dimmed. She was selfless, compassionate, infectious in her joy, and fiercely committed to one rule above all others: “Don’t let anyone dull your sparkle.” She didn’t just live by those words — she made sure everyone around her sparkled too.

In 1995, Kathy co-founded K&G Entertainment, building a business fueled by her love of music, people, and a good time. She was voted Best in the Burbs Female KJ for years — and anyone who ever heard her behind the mic knows exactly why. She semi-retired in 2024 but couldn’t quite let go — continuing to run a show or two periodically until two months before her passing. Because that was Kathy. She didn’t stop. She lived.

Kathy married the love of her life, Marty Garrett, on August 27, 2004, and together they built a home overflowing with laughter, love, and — yes — a year-round Christmas room. Because why limit the most magical time of year to just one month?

She stayed endlessly active — crocheting almost daily, crafting anything she could get her hands on, hunting for treasures at thrift stores and craft shows, creating diamond art masterpieces, and filling her calendar with lunch and dinner dates with her children and her multitude of friends. She loved to sing. She loved to dance. She loved to laugh. And she had a gift for making the ordinary feel extraordinary — a random phone call to say hi, a song request sung just for you, a gift wrapped with more love than paper. She made you feel special, important, and good.

One of her most cherished traditions was the annual trip to the Music Box Theater for an audience-participation viewing of White Christmas — a tradition that became a gathering of friends and family celebrating everything Kathy stood for: joy, togetherness, and a little bit of magic.

In Loving Memory

“Don’t let anyone dull your sparkle.”

If you asked ten people what song reminds them of Kathy, you’d get ten different answers. Her song as a lasting wish to all her loved ones is “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack. Because that’s what Kathy wanted for every single person she loved — to dance, to live fully, to never sit one out.

Kathy is survived by her beloved husband, Marty Garrett; her children, Jenni Langston, Jason (Shawna) Middleton, and Brandon (Danielle Sofia) Middleton; her stepchildren, Amanda (David Wright) Garrett and Alicia Garrett; and her cherished grandchild, Cam Middleton.

She is also survived by her siblings, Debbie (Meadows) Mayes, Felicia (Meadows) Catron, Morgan (Meadows) (Doug) Newpher, Harvey (Jennifer) Meadows, and Susan (Meadows) Welch.

Kathy was a beloved Grammie to her granddogs, Jayden, Buddy, and Jaxon, and a devoted dog mom to Rudy and Maddie.

Kathy’s heart extended far beyond her immediate family. She leaves behind her cherished family by choice, Janet (Randy) Strandell, Renée (Curt) Dellas, Deb (Ken) Hunley, Jessica Bovee, her first husband, Jeff (Barb) Middleton, and the Middleton family, along with countless aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Glenda Meadows; her sister, Valerie (Meadows) Hattner; her brother, Jeffery Meadows; her parents-in-law, Marvin and Joan Middleton and James and Kathryn Garrett; her brothers-in-law, Terry (Patricia) Garrett and James Garrett; and her nephew, Jimmy Garrett.

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life and visitation will be held on Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Dundee Funeral Home, 485 Dundee Ave., East Dundee, IL 60118.

“Don’t let anyone dull your sparkle.”

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, August 31, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Dundee Funeral Home, 485 Dundee Ave., East Dundee, IL 60118. A graveside service will follow immediately afterward, approximately at 12:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, Kathy’s wish was for those attending to bring a stuffed teddy bear to be donated to Lurie Children’s Hospital — because even in her goodbye, she was thinking of others. For those unable to attend, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Dress Code: Casual and happy. Wear color. This is a celebration of a life well lived.

♥ ———————————— ♥

She made everything special.She made everyone feel seen.And she never, ever let anyone dull their sparkle.

Dance on, Kathy. We love you. ♥