Kathleen Stafford

Kathleen (nee Weithman) Stafford , age 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at Otterbein of Middletown.  She was born Friday, August 31, 1934 in Cleveland, Ohio to Leo and Jane (nee Hawk) Weithman.

Raised with a strong faith, Kathleen's devotion to God never wavered through her 83 years.  While riding on a train to New York to watch her beloved Cleveland Indians play, she met James.  After two short years of dating, the two were married on Saturday, June 8, 1957.  Together, they would raise 3 children, 3 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

An accomplished golfer, Kathleen played for the enjoyment of the game, not to win (much to the disappointment of other's that have been her caddy).  She was often the one cheering the other players on.  Playing cards, especially bridge, and bowling with her family and friends always brought a smile to her face.

Although Kathleen did not like to swim, she did love to boat.  The family was blessed with the opportunity to create so many cherished memories on Lake Erie and other Great Lakes.  They would often visit Catawba Island and Put-In-Bay to discover fine places to dine and vineyards.

For 14 years, Kathleen volunteered through the American Red Cross as a Gray Lady at Piqua Memorial receiving several awards.  This is where she discovered her passion for the healthcare industry.  So, while her children were graduating and attending college, Kathleen decided it was time for her to go back to school.  She was elected Vice-President of her class as well as graduated in the top percent.  Kathleen would finish her career as an LPN at Stouder Hospital in Troy, Ohio.

Kathleen has left quite a heritage for her family and friends.  She will be missed by all that knew and loved her.

Kathleen was preceded in death by: her parents, Leo and Jane Weithman; and her brother, Br. Joe Weithman.

Kathleen is survived by: her husband of 60 years, James C. Stafford; children, Jim (Becky) Stafford Jr., Maryann (Dale) Turner and Robert (Jamie) Stafford; grandchildren, Jeni Turner, Jackie (Drew) Kesse and Ashley (Brad) Perkins; step-grandchildren, Michelle (Jason) Stamm and Nick (Amy) Garman; great-grandchildren, Addison Kesse, Turner Kesse, Aubrielle Perkins and Everleigh Perkins; siblings, Leo "Skip" (Beverly) Weithman Jr., Sr. Joan Weithman, Dennis (Judy) Weithman and Maryann Drake; also survived by many other loving family members and friends.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 24, 2018 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Mueller Funeral Home, 6791 Tylersville Road, Mason, Ohio 45040.  Mass of Chrisitian Burial will be Thursday, January 25, 2018 at 10:30 AM at St. Susanna Church, 616 Reading Road, Mason, Ohio 45040.

Memorials may be directed to Alzheimer's Association Greater Cincinnati, 644 Linn Street, Suite 1026, Cincinnati, OH 45203 or to Otterbein Homes, Charitable Gift Planning, 580 N. State Route 741, Lebanon, OH 45036.

Please sign the guestbook at MuellerfuneralS.com 513-398-9100