Leona "Kathleen" Klotz

Leona Kathleen Klotz, age 95, passed away on November 4, 2026. Born June 4, 1931, in Sherrodsville, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late William Edgar and Leona Fern (Thomas) Russell. Kathleen began school in Magnolia at the age of five and later moved to Malvern, where she met her husband, Richard, attended grades 6–12, and graduated from Malvern High School in 1948 as Co-Salutatorian. A woman of steady faith and deep devotion, she carried herself with a strength that was both quietly determined and, when needed, unmistakably spirited—beloved by those who knew her best.  

Kathleen began working right after graduation, primarily at Republic Steel. Her life reflected the dignity of hard work, the constancy of commitment, and the kind of perseverance that shows itself most clearly in everyday responsibilities faithfully met.  

In her younger years, Kathleen was an avid golfer, enjoying league play as well as time on the course with family members. She also took part in water aerobics at the YMCA. Family vacations held a special place in her heart when her children were young, and she later cherished traveling the world with her husband, Richard—sharing years marked by companionship, loyalty, and enduring love.  

Kathleen was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church for 50 years, where she served through the Busy Bees Sewing group and the Altar Guild. Later, she held membership at St. Stephen Martyr Lutheran Church. She also volunteered at Aultman Hospital, delivering flowers to patients—an act of care that reflected her attentive, giving nature and the simple grace with which she treated others.  

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Richard Klotz; her brothers, Donald, Raymond, David “Sonny”, Wayne, and Jack. She is survived by her daughter, Myrna (David) Vasil; son, Darrell (Linda) Klotz; grandchildren, Christine (Jesse) Dolan, Craig (Emily) Vasil, and Katelyn (Matthew) Runninger; great-grandchildren, Julia (fiancé - Elliot Long), Joshua (Natalie), Leah, and Elizabeth Dolan, and Rowan, Harper, and Fallon Vasil; great-great-granddaughter, Nessa; sisters-in-law, Jackie Lou Russell, and Martha (Dale) Moyer.  

Visitation will be held at Karlo-Libby Funeral Home, 5000 Everhard Road NW, Canton, OH 44718, on November 12, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and again on November 13, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm. A Funeral Service will follow on November 13, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm, also at Karlo-Libby Funeral Home. Interment will be in Malvern Bethlehem Cemetery. A lite luncheon will follow at Malvern Methodist Church.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Southern Care Hospice, especially Brenda and Olivia, and to the Canton Regency Memory Care team, especially her buddy Chuck, Michelle, and Nevada, for their compassionate care and support.  

“What a great feeling to know, that THE GRACE OF GOD is a blessing for us to have eternal life with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. What a wonderful feeling that God saw to it that He redeemed and accepted us sinners into His arms.” - Kathleen Klotz