Kathleen Abbott

Kathleen Jewell (Miller) Abbott, 69, of Van Wert passed away at 4:23 PM on January 22, 2021 at Parkview Regional Medical Center after a courageous four year battle with cancer. She was born on March 17, 1951, in Decatur, IN, to the late Paul G. and Lillian L. (Copper) Miller.

A 1969 graduate of Crestview High School, Kathleen went on to graduate from Bluffton University in 1975 with a Bachelors in Elementary Education. She worked briefly as a House Mother at Marsh Foundation before working at Borden's Cheese Factory. After they closed down, Kathleen went on to work for Van Wert Health as a switchboard operator for 34 years. She was a former member of Countryside Chapel United Methodist Church.

Kathleen enjoyed reading novels, completing jigsaw and word puzzles, and Scrabble. She was an avid birder and animal lover, especially cats and dogs. She was also a member of the former Buckeye Belles Red Hat Society.

She was a beloved sister, aunt, cousin and friend who was kind, loving, caring, giving, sweet and light-hearted.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, William Abbott of Van Wert; sisters: Beverly Miller of Van Wert; Loretta (Wilbur) Rank of Maplewood, OH; nieces, Tami (David) Vanderhoff of Reynoldsburg, OH; nephew, Scott (Angie) Rank of Anna, OH; great nieces and nephews: Matt, Jonathan and Skye Rank; Kristin and Paige Vanderhoff.

In addition to her parents, Kathleen was preceded in death by her sister, Bonita Miller.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home 722 S. Washington St. Van Wert, OH with Rev. Wayne Karges officiating. Interment will follow in Convoy I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Township Hwy 176 Convoy, OH 45832.

The family will receive friends two hours prior to the funeral, from 12 to 2 PM Wednesday, at the funeral home.

While family and friends are invited to attend Kathleen's services, we continue to be cautious and concerned for our most vulnerable friends and loved ones. We request attendee's respect the well-being of the family and friends. Attendees are required to observe social distancing, refrain from close physical contact, and wear facial coverings.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Kathleen`s memory may be sent to Van Wert Humane Society Building Fund or to Arbor Day Foundation. .

To share in Kathleen's online memorial, please visit www.alspachgearhart.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, 722 S Washington Street, Van Wert, OH 45891.