Kathleen Ann Battel

In Loving Memory of Kathleen Ann Battel

April 5, 1936- July 7, 2025

Kathleen Ann Battel passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025. She was 89 years young.

Born on April 5, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, Kathy lived a life marked by strength, giving and a deep commitment to family. She was a beloved wife to Bob, a devoted daughter, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother and a dear friend to many. Her welcoming hug and loving smile will be missed by all.

Kathy dedicated her life to her family. Her extraordinary love and care for Bob was unconditional. The selfless love she showed is eternal and will live on through her children, grandchildren and generations to come.

Kathy had an amazing eye for beauty even in the simplest things. She loved flowers, especially roses, spending hours tending to her garden, which brought her so much joy. Her home was a gathering place, filled with laughter, great conversation, endless delicious food, and open arms.

Christmas was more than a holiday for Kathy. Walking into her house at Christmas time was like being at the North Pole. Every table, every wall and every corner were filled with Christmas magic. Her home was a glistening winter wonderland.

She loved preparing for her "infamous" Christmas morning brunch at their home in Michigan. The gathering was a feast of old favorites and newfound recipes each year. The colors on the table, the aromas of the homecooked food and the stories shared created so many wonderful memories.

Friends and family will always remember the baking and gifting of her homemade cookies each Christmas. Kathy loved searching for and finding the newest addition to her long list of favorites. It has been said that she made the best cookies ever tasted.

Giving the most meaningful Christmas ornament to each of her children, grandchildren and special friends was a heartfelt tradition of Kathy's. Every year she chose ornaments that represented special moments in time reflecting their life experiences that were shared with her.

During her lifetime, Kathy and Bob were able to raise their family in Southfield Michigan. In 1996 they moved to Fountain Hills Arizona and enjoyed being near Steve and Lissa's family as well as creating new friendships. After Bob passed away in 2011, Kathy rescued a dog named CiCi. She was a loved companion to her for the past 14 years. In 2022 Kathy and CiCi relocated to Ojai California to be close to her son, John, and to live in a place that she and Bob loved so dearly.

Kathy made an indelible mark on everyone she knew. Her warmth, sense of humor, wisdom made everyone feel at home. Kathy's competitive spirit, especially when playing cards with her friends and family was a sight to see.

We celebrate a life well lived. Kathy's legacy is love. She was a gift of love and light that will continue to shine on all who loved her.

Kathy is survived by her brother Mitchel Rayes (Mary). Her children, Steve (Lissa), Theresa (Michael), Cindy (Peter) and John (Gina), grandchildren, John, Ryan, Michael, David, Kayli and Emily, great-granddaughter, Charlie.

A celebration of life will take place in Ojai, California on the property she lived on and loved.

Saturday, October 18 at 4pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in memory of Kathy to go to "The National Shrine of St. Jude-Claretian Ministries" (a charity close to Kathy's heart) www.shrineofstjude.org or any charity that is close to your heart.