It is with profound sadness that the family of Kathryn Loxley announces her passing on the morning of Sunday, June 11, 2017, at the age of 99 years.
Kathryn was born in Greenville, Ohio to Fred Harleman and Henrietta Harleman (nee Hosier) on March 25, 1918. She began her long and fabled teaching career in West Milton, Ohio in 1958. A move to Jackson, Ohio in 1964 led her teaching talents to Kinnison School in Jackson, where she taught until her retirement in 1993.
She was known and loved for her lessons in Outdoor Education (which included several class trips throughout the years to “The Shire,” the Loxley farm in Wellston, Ohio), economics, and bartering. The lessons taught in these units are still remembered fondly today by former students of Mrs. Loxley.
Kathryn offered a summer program at The Shire for elementary students from 1965 to 1995. The focus of the summer program was academic in the morning hours, with the afternoons being spent swimming or fishing in the lake, and enjoying moments of fellowship at the end of each day.
Her work in education was tireless and practical to young learners, and it earned her recognition at the local, state, and federal levels.
In 1993, Kathryn became a licensed minister. She led the services at the Jackson Christian Church and the Mt. Nebo Church outside of Wellston. Starting in the mid-90s, she also organized and ran the soup kitchen out of the Jackson Christian Church. She held the tenets of the Christian faith deep in her soul during every waking moment.
She was an example and inspiration to all who knew her-as a teacher, a steward of the planet, a friend, a Christian, and a woman. She will be dearly and sorely missed by all who knew and loved her.
Kathryn is preceded in death by her husband, Orval Bautham (O.B.) Loxley; son, Ted Loxley; daughter, Cheryl Loxley; granddaughter, Susan Bilger; and grandsons, Aaron Loxley and Montgomery Bilger.
She is survived by daughters, Connie Wharton (Dickson) and Carolyn Loxley (James Rogers); daughter-in-law, Marilyn Loxley; and son-in-law, Paul Hanks.
She was a wonderful grandmother to 12 fortunate grandchildren, and she was K-G (Kathryn the Great) to nine granddaughters and grandsons.
Friends will be received on Friday, June 16, 2017, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Mayhew-Brown Funeral Home (135 Broadway St., Jackson, OH 45640). A service in celebration of Kathryn’s life will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at 1 p.m. at the Jackson Christian Church, (102 Broadway St., Jackson, Ohio 45640), with Pastor Dale Wesley George officiating. Interment will follow at Leamer Cemetery, on Leamer Cemetery Road (just off of Tom Corwin Road).
In lieu of flowers, family asks for donations to be made to: The Kathryn Loxley Memorial Scholarship, c/o Jackson City Schools, 450 Vaughn St., Jackson, OH 45640. Please make checks payable to Jackson City Schools and please write “Kathryn Loxley Memorial Fund” in the memo line.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mayhew-brownfuneralhome.com