Kathleen "Kathy" Robben

Kathleen “Kathy” Robben (O’Bryan), age 70, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away peacefully on July 3rd, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on December 28th, 1954, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and lived a life of strength, perseverance, enduring love, and unwavering faith.

A Life of Dedication and Service

Kathy’s work ethic and compassionate spirit defined much of her professional life. She began her career at Gibson Greeting Cards and later found her true calling in the healthcare industry. She served as a technician and billing specialist in the pharmacy at Good Samaritan Hospital and concluded her career as Gift Shop Manager at Bethesda Oak Hospital, where she brought warmth and kindness to patients, staff, and visitors alike. Kathy retired with fond memories and lifelong friendships from her time in the healthcare community.

Resilience and the Gift of Life

Kathy was a two-time kidney transplant recipient—a rare and profound journey that spoke to both her resilience and the power of human generosity. Her first transplant was a selfless gift from her brother, Steve O’Bryan, and years later, she was given a second chance at life through the kindness of a caring donor, Kristi Barkley of North Dakota. Kathy and her family remained forever grateful for these lifesaving acts of compassion.

Family and Faith

A lifelong Roman Catholic, Kathy was a woman of deep spiritual conviction. She was baptized and raised in the Catholic faith in Golf Manor, later raising her own family in Oakley, and spending her golden years in Anderson Township. Her faith remained a cornerstone of her life.

Kathy was the beloved wife of Gregg Robben, with whom she shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and partnership. She was the devoted mother of Bryan (Michelle) Robben and Brenda (Ryan) Turnley and the proud grandmother of five cherished grandchildren. Her family was her heart, and she cherished every moment spent in their company. Kathy is survived by her brother Steve (Theresa) O’Bryan and was preceded in death by her sister Debbie Bing and her brother-in-law Ken (Cheryl) Robben. Kathy’s extended family also included the Robben Family, the O’Bryan Family, the Wolternann Family, and the Rowe Family.

A Lasting Legacy

Kathy’s love for her children was demonstrated not just at home, but in the many ways she gave of her time, energy, and heart to their lives and communities. She was an enthusiastic and dependable presence at St. Mary’s Elementary School and McNicholas High School, supporting countless events and programs through the years. Whether organizing, cheering, volunteering, or simply being present, Kathy embraced her role as a pillar in both communities. She was deeply involved in youth athletics, proudly supporting her children on and off the field. She volunteered with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, nurturing leadership and values in the next generation. Her steady encouragement extended into the arts, where she supported band, orchestra, musical theater, and choir programs, always celebrating the hard work and talent of her children and their peers. Kathy’s presence was felt on the sidelines, in rehearsal halls, and on field trips. She was always present with a smile, a kind word, and a willingness to help. Her unwavering support left an indelible mark not only on her own children but on the broader community she helped strengthen. This also continued into her retirement years as she showed the same love and support for her grandchildren.

Kathy’s strength, determination, and enduring love for her family will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. Whether it was a thoughtful conversation at family events, a warm smile shared across the gift shop, or the resilience she demonstrated in the face of health challenges, Kathy left a legacy of strength, grace, and gratitude.

Services

A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hyde Park on Monday, July 14th 2025 at 11am. Visitation will take place at the church prior to the service from 10am to 11am. Kathy will be laid to rest at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in a private family ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Kathy’s memory to “Off The List” (www.getoffthelist.org) or the National Kidney Foundation.