By Marie McCain
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Rocklin

MOUNT HEALTHY - Kathleen E. "Katy" Rocklin's life had turned a corner.

Emerging into adulthood, the 21-year-old Milford woman was ready to embrace two of the tangible joys in a life spread widely before her - marriage and motherhood.

She was weeks away from becoming Mrs. Andrew D. Grote, and she was excited about her pregnancy. The female fetus she carried - named Elisa Kay Rocklin-Grote - had just made 11 weeks. She and Grote would be married July 12.

But all that ended at about 10:30 p.m. June 12, as Rocklin and Grote, 28, of Loveland, drove south on Interstate 275.

A car rear-ended Grote's pickup truck and sent the larger vehicle into the median, where it overturned.

The car, driven by Tiffany Peterson, 28, went off the left side of the roadway and struck a concrete wall.

Emergency personnel pronounced Rocklin dead at the scene. Grote and Peterson were treated and released from Bethesda North Hospital.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Rocklin was the only one who wasn't wearing a seat belt.

Alcohol might have played a part in the crash, officials said, adding that charges have not been filed and the investigation continues.

On Tuesday, inside Mount Healthy's Trinity Lutheran Church, family and friends said their goodbyes.

"We are so thankful for the nearly 22 years we had to share with her," said the Rev. Timothy Kuenzli to a church filled with mourners. "It is clear that she had never, never been unloved.

"The sorrow you feel is the weight in your chest, the slump in your shoulders, and eyes that won't quit tearing. ... But all are signs that God is near and the love you've felt has been real. It won't end because someone is gone," he added.

Rocklin and Grote were heading home that night after their last mentoring session with their pastor.

They had practiced their vows, said Rocklin's mother, Linda.

"Perhaps it was the excitement that made Katy forget to buckle her seat belt," her mother added.

"Perhaps her timing wasn't perfect - but her life, the night she died, was. Katy just wanted to be a wife and a mother. Rather archaic in this world we live (in).

"Katy's eyes and smile could light up a room," her mother said. "She loved music, sad movies, and chocolate. She was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew her."

Other survivors include Larry Rocklin, Katy's father; uncles; aunts; and cousins.

E-mail mmccain@enquirer.com