Kathleen “Kem” Embrey Aburrow
Dec 23, 1948 - Aug 28th, 2022- Birth Date: Dec 23, 1948
- Death Date: Aug 28, 2022
- Funeral Date: Sep 7, 2022, 10:30 am
- Location: Our Lady of Holy Souls Catholic Church, Little Rock AR
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Biography: Kathleen “Kem” Embrey Aburrow, age 73, passed away peacefully in Little Rock, Arkansas on August 28, 2022. Born in Little Rock on December 23, 1948, Kem was the only child of Agnes Arnold Embrey and Robert Moore Embrey. She attended Holy Souls Elementary School, high school at Mount St. Mary Academy and college at Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri.
She began her career with United Airlines as a flight attendant based out of Washington, D.C., where she met her husband of 48 years, Harry Aburrow. They married May 18, 1974 and two years later moved to Little Rock.
She is survived by her husband, Harry, her children, Kristin (Tom) Hayes and Peter (Krista) Aburrow; grandchildren Lilly Embrey Hayes, Olivia Grace Aburrow and Elin Elizabeth Aburrow. Kem is preceded in death by her parents, uncle and two aunts.
In 1976 following her mother’s death, Kem assumed ownership of the family business, Arnolds Beauty and Barber Supply. During the next 24 years Harry and Kem grew the business to become one of the 20 largest wholesale supply companies in the beauty industry.
Kem gave back to the local community by spending many hours volunteering for various organizations such as the Junior League of Little Rock, Riverfest and UAMS Partners Card.
One of her greatest joys was spending time with her friends. She enjoyed the many lunches with The Luscious Ladies Limoncello League, Birthday Club celebrations, Garden Club tours, Bridge Club game days and everything in between.
Kem was passionate about traveling. She was fortunate to explore many parts of the world with family and friends and cherished each moment of her adventures.
However, what Kem treasured the most was time spent with family. Nightly family dinners, family trips, weekends spent on Lake Hamilton, Kristin and Peter’s sporting events and Sunday Mass were all priorities in her life. Her family was her greatest sense of pride. She will be remembered as a loving Wife, Mother and Kiki.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 6th from 4-6pm at Ruebel Funeral Home. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, September 7th at 10:30 am at Our Lady of Holy Souls Catholic Church. Interment will follow the Mass in the church’s columbarium.
In honor of Kem and her love of scarves, the family encourages attendees to wear a scarf on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Kem’s name to Mount St. Mary Academy. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com
I have so many fond memories of Kem. I have known her all my life and was blessed to live in the house between Kem and Diane and have them as my first babysitters. As I grew older, she was a wonderful example of career woman, wife, and mother for me. She loved my mother and my children and always made us feel special. She will be greatly missed. Much love to your family.
Holly Bovio
Jackie and I are shocked to hear this news Please accept our deepest sympathy and condolences. Wishing the best for you Kristin and Peter.
BJ and Jackie
I am glad to have met Kem some 45 years ago and on occasion run into the family to compare first born memories along with Harry may you find peace in knowing life eternal awaits Kem and her suffering on this earth is no more
My deepest sympathies to all God bless you and the lives you live on this earth
Cathy Rigby