Madison school officials hang wreath in memory of crossing guard
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REXBURG — Kind, caring, compassionate. That’s how Kathy Striffler is being remembered in Rexburg after being killed in a Montana car crash Monday morning.
Striffler had been a crossing guard at Kennedy Elementary School for the past 13 years.
On Tuesday, officials at Kennedy Elementary placed a wreath on the corner of Main Street and South 5th West where she would greet and help students cross the street.
“It’s been really really difficult for our staff,” Kennedy Elementary Principal Shane Williams said.
“Kathy was one that just radiated love and caring for other people, loved her job and loved the kids,” Williams said. “It’s not an easy job to have where you stand out in sub-zero weather, rain, snow or shine.”
She also worked at Adams Elementary as a lunch lady. School employees said everyone who met her loved her friendly smile.
“The lady was always really nice, dedicated to her job, she never missed a day at work, she was always there, cleaning the lunchrooms, serving the children, and just smiling and happy natured,” said Stephen Gentile principal of Adams Elementary.
Striffler was killed in a car accident in Montana early Monday morning. Police said her husband fell asleep at the wheel and Kathy was ejected from the car.
While her life may be over employees say her legacy will live on through the thousands she had met over the years.
“Her spirit will be be greatly missed here in our Kennedy family and our prayers are with her family as they go through this loss,” co-worker Karrie Degraw said.
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