Kathryn Auline Patterson Jones, age 88, of Boardman, OH, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026, surrounded by her family and loved ones.

Born on July 7, 1937, in Lincoln, AL, Kathryn—known lovingly as Kitty—was the beloved daughter of Gladys and William Daniel Patterson. She lived a life marked by love, kindness, strength, faith, independence, and devotion to her family. Those who knew Kitty will remember her warmth, humor, generosity, resilience, storytelling, cooking, and deep love for her dogs.

Kitty was a devoted Episcopalian whose faith was a guiding light throughout her life. She loved her church communities at St. Andrew’s and St. James’ deeply, finding joy, comfort, and fellowship there. Music was also an important part of her life. She enjoyed singing from an early age and was an active member of her church choirs, as well as singing with the Youngstown Symphony.

During her career, while also raising three children, Kitty worked at The Vindicator in Youngstown. Following her retirement, she continued working at Babies“R”Us, where her warmth and caring nature touched those around her. The friendships she made through her work remained dear to her, and for 30 years, she and her former coworkers met every month to enjoy dinner together.

Kitty had a heart that welcomed all. Her home was always open, and she accepted people without judgment, offering kindness, food, and a place of comfort to anyone who came through her door. In that same gentle spirit, she loved and cared for her dogs, giving them a safe and devoted home.

She was fiercely independent and always there to talk and show support no matter the situation. That independence was part of her strength and spirit. She was also deeply devoted to family, faithfully tending her sister’s gravesite and keeping it adorned with fresh flowers as a lasting act of love and remembrance.

Kitty was an avid reader and enjoyed word puzzles, Solitaire, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy! Her quick mind, generous spirit, and loving presence made her a joy to be around.

Above all, Kitty loved her family, and the people God placed in her life. Her kindness, faith, independence, open heart, music, and welcoming home will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Kitty was preceded in death by her son, Geoffrey Jones; her brother, James Patterson; her sister, Martha Lou (Nicholas); her parents, William and Gladys Patterson; her nephew, Danny Patterson; and her best friend, Sybil Register.

She is survived by her sister, Mary Jo Mitchell; her children, Dinah Henderson of Stow and Clayton Jones of Boardman; her daughter-in-law, Janice; her grandchildren, Parker, Sarah Kathryn, Sydney, and Riley; her nephews, Ricky Mitchell (Janet), and Phil Patterson (Jill); her nieces, Martha Carroll Mitchell, Kathryn Vrabel (Myron) and Linda Kohanov (Steve Roach); her grandnieces, Brianna Britton (Adam), Reimi Vrabel, and Jaide Patterson; her grandnephew, Dustin Patterson; and Sybil’s children, Jodi Oehler, Wade Register, and Joni Hamilton.

In lieu of flowers, family is requesting in honor of Kitty, donations be sent to Animal Charity of Ohio, 8469 Southern Blvd Bldg. 3, Boardman, OH 44512 or Friends of Fido, PO Box 2963, Youngstown, OH 44511.

A private interment and picnic will be held with family later in the summer.