Kathleen Frances Homer, age 84, passed away, going home to the Lord on Saturday, February 3, 2018, surrounded by her children. She was born on October 4, 1933 to John Thomas and Frances Mary (Moser) Ryan in Defiance County, Ohio. She was the youngest of five siblings. Kathleen was Valedictorian of her Ayersville High School Class of 1951. She later attended the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing graduating in 1955, where she was elected President of her class. She was employed at Mercy Hospital and eventually to St. Vincent Hospital, retiring in 1987. Kathleen loved nursing and had a kind heart, working in many avenues in her nursing career. Kathleen along with her best friend, MaryJo Fisher established the “Utilization Review Department” pilot program which was later adopted by the Medicare program and hospitals across the country. Kathleen was actively involved with “Parents of Deaf Students” organization back in the late 1960’s-early 1970’s in the Toledo Public School system advocating and sponsoring teachers for the Deaf, the school board and successfully providing resources for Deaf students. She served as president for several years and attended the Alexander Graham Bell National Convention in Kansas City in the later 1960’s.

Kathleen and her husband, Dale, a retired Toledo Police officer, whom she married on February 11, 1956 traveled extensively during their retirement visiting Europe, Australia, New Zealand and their favorite location, Hawaii. They also touched the four corners of the USA as well as Arizona, Seattle, visiting dear friends, Las Vegas, Branson and the New England area. They spent their winters in Plant City, Florida at the Country Meadows Park and the summers at their cottage on Lake Hemlock in Michigan. When health issues intervened, they returned to Toledo, settling in West Toledo where they enjoyed their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Kathy was a long time member of Calvary Church in Maumee where she enjoyed the great faith-scripture building beliefs there. Kathy wants to thank Pastor Chad, Pastor Bill, all of the clergy team, Bible study leaders, all of the many friends and acquaintances she came in contact with for they all strengthened her faith in God, Jesus Christ and kept her joy in the Spirit.

In addition to her parents, Kathy is preceded in death by her husband, Dale, her brothers Bernard and his wife Ann (Carmen), Donald, sister JoAnne and brother-in-law, James Davis and sister-in-law Patricia Hoeffel Ryan.

She is survived by her children, Robin (Stephanie), Diane Cline, Thomas and Lynn (Darrell) Millsaps. Her grandchildren: Adam and Aaron Homer, Sarah (Terry) Beamon, Jessica Homer; Matthew (Heather) and Megan Tussing; Jacob Cline; Rachel, Tabitha, Daniella and Jesse Millsaps; great-grandchildren: Ryan, Joshua, Brendan, LaMarr, Josiah, Jaylen, Ace, Racquel, Tavian, Isaiah, Jayvier and Iyana. Sister: Mary Shriner (Jack) and Brother: Robert and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family will receive guests on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 from 2 - 8:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home 4752 Heatherdowns, Toledo (419-381-1900). Funeral Services will begin Thursday, February 8, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Officiating will be Pastor Bill McGinnis. Entombment will follow in Ottawa Hills Memorial Park.

The family would like to thank all of the extended family, nieces and nephews, friends, Northwest Ohio Hospice team of Martin, Cary, Laurie, April, Danielle, Rick, Jan and Nikki who cared for her, for all of their visits, care, compassion and support provided to Kathy though her illness.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are asked to consider Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 800 S Detroit, Toledo or Calvary Assembly of God, 1360 Conant -St, Maumee, Ohio 43537.

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