Catherine “Cathy” Hope Paxton, 70, of Ashland, passed away peacefully on the morning of Thursday, January 2, 2025, surrounded by her devoted husband and children. She courageously battled bile duct cancer with strength and grace until the end.
Born on August 19, 1954, in Willard to the late Maxine M. (Ramey) and John J. “Newton” Johnson, Jr., she was the youngest of six siblings. A 1972 graduate of Plymouth High School, she embraced a life centered on family. Cathy was fortunate to stay home with her children, Lesley and Andy, during their early years before returning to work. She was employed at Shelby Insurance Company until its closure in 2000 and later joined Sprint in Mansfield, where she remained until her retirement in 2016. Cathy treasured her time spent working which allowed her to build many cherished and lifelong friendships.
Cathy’s warm smile and genuine love for helping others left an unforgettable mark on everyone she met, making people feel valued and appreciated. She will be remembered for her caring, hardworking, fun-loving, and outgoing nature. Cathy had a deep passion for travel and was fortunate to explore 39 of the 50 states before her health prevented her from visiting the remaining 11. She also found great joy in gardening, bird watching, history, and solving puzzles. Known for her delicious cookies, she loved cooking for family and friends, especially creating special memories by baking with her grandchildren. Above all, Cathy treasured time with her loved ones, from cheering on Lesley and Andy in their sporting events and found even greater joy in supporting her grandchildren’s activities later in her life.
Cathy is survived by her devoted husband of 48 years, Larry Dean Paxton, whom she married on June 19, 1976. Larry was a loving husband and an exceptional caregiver, especially during her final months. She is also survived by their children, Lesley (Jeff) Klosterman of Harrodsburg, KY, and Andy (Halsy) Paxton of Dublin. She was lovingly referred to as Nini by her grandchildren Reece and Grant Klosterman and Nora, Delia, and Declan Paxton. She is also survived by her siblings, Ronald (Muriel) Johnson, Nancy Dyer, Brenda Coovert, and Jane (Ray) Bond along with numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister and brother-in-law, Sandra and Curtis Roth, and her brother-in-law, Dave Coovert. She was blessed with her new family of friends from the Lighthouse Small Group at Grace Church and was touched by all of those who reached out to her during her illness.
Family and friends are welcome on January 9, 2025 from 5-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, Ohio. Funeral service will be held on Friday January 10, 2025 at 10 am at Grace Church, 1144 West Main Street, Ashland, Ohio, where Cathy and Larry are members. Pastor Dan Allan will officiate the services. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Shiloh. Memorial contributions may be made to The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation or Grace Church.
Condolences may be left on Cathy’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
To view Cathy’s tribute video, click here Cathy’s tribute video.
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Larry and family. So sorry for your loss. Cathy was such a loving dear person. Always with a smile and good word. I am praying for you all. May God, hold you close to Him in this difficult time.
Larry, Lesley and Andy
Prayers are with all of you and your families. Enjoyed our time being neighbors for many years.
Larry and family,
My sincere condolences on the loss of Cathy.
My sincere sympathy to the family for their loss. I had the pleasure of knowing Cathy while going to school with her at Plymouth. She was a sweet and loving person. After I graduated in 1971, our lives took us on our own journeys and we lost touch. Then as the years passed by we were able to meet again and worked together at Sprint/Centurylink/Embarq. She was always a pleasure to talk to as she was so pleasant and always smiling and laughing. After retirement in 2014 I was able to keep in touch through FB. It saddens my heart to hear of her passing. Looking forward to meeting up again in our permanent home address – Heaven. May God comfort and calm all your hearts during this very difficult time.
Larry and family, prayers go out to you and family. Cathy was a wonderful friend I enjoyed our times together. Bonnie
Sending my deepest condolences to Larry and family. I worked with Cathy for years at the phone company. I honestly can say I don’t think I’ve ever met a more genuine person and her sense of humor was one of a kind. May wonderful memories comfort all of you now and forever. Rest in peace, Cathy.
My heart is so sad. It hurts for your family. I’m glad you are out of pain and with Jesus.
Love Jill
Larry and family, my heart grieves with you. Cathy was a dear friend. She is with her Lord in no pain. My prayers for comfort for all of you. Love an hugs to all.
Joan
I worked with Cathy for many years at Sprint/Embarq…such a sweetie! Glad she is whole and happy with the Lord!
Halsy, Andy, and all of Cathy’s family,
Please know that my heart breaks for you and I am lifting you all up in prayer. Cathy was such a special person, and I know you all will miss her every day.
Briana
Larry, Lesley, Andy and family, I was so sad to read of Cathy’s passing. We know she is healed and with our Lord, but I know you will miss her greatly. You will be in my prayers that you will be comforted with happy. Sharon and Dennis McNary
Cathy, will be missed by many of her family and friends. She was so kind to everyone. She treated everyone the same. Her smile would light up a room. In the last few years my husband has had it rough fighting his cancer and all the side effects from his treatments. I mentioned this, because Cathy, even though she was fighting her own battle with cancer, she always took the time to send me a text to see how we were doing and to let me know she was praying for us. I always would let her know that we were praying for her and her family. Heaven gained another angel yesterday. Lord, welcome my friend Cathy to your heavenly place and show her your unending love. We love you Cathy and we will miss you. Until we see you again.
Larry and Family
I’m so sorry for your loss. Cathy was an amazing person. She was the most loving and gracious person I have ever known. Prayers and love for you all
Love Susie
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your beloved Cathy. Please know that you and your family wiill be in my thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. As you navigate your grief, I hope you can find comfort in the words of Psalms 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
With heartfelt sympathy, Angela Woodward
My beautiful Cathy, I will miss our talks, laughter, and just commiserating about being married to brothers. The way you loved your husband, children and grandchildren was beautiful. I am so happy you were able to travel and see everything that you wanted to see. I already miss all of the little greetings that you used to send me, I miss you!
Thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time of sorrow.
Only time will help heal the pain of your loss but the many years of memories will help your family through the coming years.
I am so sorry for your loss! Cathy was a wonderful person, we were neighbors and class mates. She fought a long hard battle and now her pain is gone.
Rest in peace dear friend. Prayers for strength to the families.
Larry and family, my heart was really sad when I heard about Cathy. She was such a sweet lady, and a good example of people who are facing cancer. She had a lot of faith and now she has no pain. God bless you and your family. I will be praying for you. Chlotene
I am so sorry for your loss. Leslie your family is in my thoughts and prayers! May Gods blessings provide comfort during this most difficult time. Love you guys!
Larry, Lesley, & Andy,
Heaven is rejoicing because Cathy is there, busy doing her new job with that big smile, helping others & happy. I am sure she will have everything ready when we are called home too. She was a great friend & made working at the phone company fun! Prayers for comfort & peace to all of you. I miss you dear friend, until we meet again…Sue
I am so very sorry to hear of your lovely wife’s passing Larry. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. I feel your pain, as tomorrow marks 5 years of Jim’s passing. You will get through this difficult time with the love and support of your many friends and family and leaning on God for strength. Big Huggs n prayers. May she rest in peace.
Larry & Family,
You are in my thoughts. I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
Larry, Leslie, Andy and families. Going to school together we have many memories, then watching our children grow created more. Seeing her at our girls of the Class of ‘72 get together was so wonderful. It was so nice to reconnect in person. We grew together again understanding and sharing with each other our strength with our battle. Heaven received a beautiful faithful soul, we will miss her but know she’s at peace with our Lord. Strength and love to you all.
Larry and family my heart felt condolences to you. Cathy was a classmate and friend. We attended church as young people..
Cathy had a sweet and caring personality and was very loved and respected.
Prayers for comfort for you all.
Debbie Osborne Robinson
Larry and family … I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Larry and family I am so sorry for your loss. You and Cathy had an amazing life together.
Larry & Family, We were so sad to hear of Cathy’s passing. She was a wonderful friend and will be forever missed. We have so many wonderful & fun memories. May God comfort you & your family. Sending hugs & love. Senie & Tom Barnd
So sorry for the loss of Cathy we worked together and she was always such a nice person thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Larry and family, so sorry to hear of Cathy’s passing, we so enjoyed having you as neighbors and working with her, Keeping your family in our prayers
I worked with Cathy at Sprint. I always called her my second Mom. I have never met a more genuine and kind person. My condolences to Larry and family.
Dear Larry and Family,
Forrest, Sylvie, Louisa and I are so sorry to hear of this deep loss. I know you all made lots of memories with Cathy over the past couple of years, and these special moments will surely sustain you now. I always enjoyed seeing Cathy and talking with her at family functions, and Cathy’s grandchildren are so very lucky to have made so many memories with her. We are holding you in our hearts and praying for you and the grief you are feeling.
We are so very sorry for your loss. Many fond memories of being neighbors with you years ago. God Bless you all.
Heavens gain is truly our loss. What a wonderful friend she will be missed. Praying for the family.
What a special, sweet person your Cathy was! After spending time with her, she makes me want to be a better person like her. She has left a big hole in our hearts and all who knew her were blessed! Prayers for you Larry, Lesley, Andy and you families.
Larry Paxton and Nancy Dyer – You have our sincere sympathy in the loss of your loved one.
Joe Mason, Joe Kearns, Karon Summer, Cindy O’Neill, Bridgett Massie and Jeanne Leckrone
Larry. So sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Carl Schroeder