Kathy Garcia

Kathy grew up in Shenandoah and graduated from Crestview High School. She worked as a dietary manager at Richland Newhope for 30 years. After retirement, she volunteered in her grandchildren's classrooms. A supporter of her children and grandchildren, she was an inspirational force in their lives. She loved attending their sporting events and was always there for them with encouraging words. Kathy was a loving, caring mother and grandmother and her legacy of unconditional love lives on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Her joyful attitude was a ray of sunshine everywhere she went. Cooking was a favorite hobby and she was known far and wide for her delicious creations, which put other dishes a distant second in your mind. Kathy was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose, V.F.W. and Fraternal Order of Eagles in Ashland where she loved socializing with her many friends.

She is survived by her husband of 14 years, Max Garcia, whom she married February 14, 2001; two children, Jamie (Mary) Ponchel and Denise (Brett) Close; five grandchildren, Meagan (fiance' Kurt Shepherd), Michael, Abby, Mason and Ethan; parents, Robert and Patricia Mitchell; three sisters, Judy (Rick) Rhoades, Linda (Dan) Tabor and Patti Case (Drexel Thomas); a brother, Jeff (Cindy) Mitchell; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, November 22, 2015, in the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond St., Mansfield. The funeral service will be held Monday at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Shenandoah Cemetery. Contributions honoring the giving nature of Kathy may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio or the American Cancer Society.