Kathy Rogers, AKA The Hat Lady, was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma..... a real-life "Okie from Muskogee."

She made her safe passage from this world on Saturday, January 31, 2015 after a year and a half battle with cancer.

As a child, Kathy and her brother and sister witnessed her father and grandfather's strong work ethic in their family business; a paint, wallpaper and frame store. There, she learned the value of personal relationships and customer service… qualities that would serve her well throughout her life.

In time, Kathy moved to Dallas, where she worked as a fashion model and even owned her own modeling studio. Kathy also kicked up her heels as a Fred Astaire dance instructor. She entered the corporate world as an executive secretary in the Oil and Gas Industry, but the Oil Bust of the early 80s led Kathy to take a temp job at the Dallas Business Journal. That led to a full-time sales position and it's where the one-time model and dance instructor discovered she had a true gift for sales.

Coming to Houston in 1991, Kathy landed her first radio job at KQUE where, for six years, she further honed her sales skills.

In 1998, Kathy arrived at KUHF Radio, the NPR affiliate, as an underwriting account executive. Kathy quickly realized public radio is where she truly belonged. She was proud and privileged to represent Houston Public Radio and what it stood for. She loved working with extraordinary underwriters, the station's gracious volunteers and she never tired of hearing from loyal members and listeners. The staff became family. Kathy found the magic in those cherished relationships.

She created the most intricate mosaic art, sometimes in the most unusual places. She used broken tiles and baubles to make beautiful mosaic designs on doors, furniture and jewelry free-hand!

Kathy's powerful personality and her trademark hats became a calling card. But her remarkable commitment to making friends and caring for them like family is what made her special.
The little girl from Muskogee, Oklahoma grew up to be bigger-than-life and she reminded us every day that treating people well is always in fashion, especially when you're wearing an attention-getting hat!

Kathy is survived by her mother Betty Lazenby of Panama City, Florida, her sister Linda Ellison of Little Rock, Arkansas, her brother and his wife, Mark and Debra Lazenby of Blytheville, Arkansas.

She is preceded in death by her father Ray Lazenby and by her "Love of her Life" husband, Mike Rock.

To honor Kathy and her wishes, the Kathy Rogers Memorial Fund has been established to support staff professional development.