Obituary of Kathryn Louise Root

Bedford – Kathryn Louise Erwin Root, 83, of Bedford, passed away on Sunday, May 1, 2022, at Stonebridge Health Campus. Born October 23, 1938, in Knox Co., IN, she was the daughter of Claude Winford and Irma Helen (Moran) Erwin. Kathryn moved to Lawrence Co. and started school at Needmore High School her freshman year. This is where she met the love of her life, Merlin Root. Merlin and Kathryn dated all through high school and were married on September 15, 1957. Kathryn worked at Indiana University in the Accounting Department and later went to cosmetology school. Kathryn and Merlin bought Crest Motel, Root’s Country Store, and Hoosier Hills Motel. She cleaned motel rooms and waited on customers in her grocery store. Many people in the Judah community will remember her standing behind the front counter with a friendly smile. Kathryn loved her customers. She owned Root Quarry in Needmore, founded in 2021. Kathryn was a Christian. She attended Guthrie Christian Church and loved hearing the old country hymns. Kathryn’s family meant everything to her. In addition to her husband, Merlin, she had three children, Brian Root, who passed away in 1996, Tonya Rensi, and Kamila Binkley. She loved her sons-in-law, Ed Rensi and Craig Binkley. Her grandchildren were so special to her. They called her “Mammy”. She had one grandson, Anthony Stevens, and wife, Stephanie and three granddaughters, Caroline Rensi, Kiera Binkley, and Allison Rensi, one brother, Dr. Robert Erwin and wife, Brenda; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Brian and a brother, David Erwin. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 am on Friday, May 6th in the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary with Rev. Richard Tallman officiating. Burial will follow in Judah Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, May 5th and from 10:00 am until the hour of service on Friday at the Day & Carter Mortuary. The family asks that friends consider memorial contributions be made to Riley Hospital for Children, the Shriner’s Hospital or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Family and friends may express condolences to www.daycarter.com.