Cathleen Louise Plaxton

Cathleen Louise "Cathee" (Foss) Plaxton, age 74, passed away peacefully at home on January 6, 2026 in Menifee, California. Born on July 24, 1951 in Oak Park, Illinois, Cathee lived a life marked by love and devotion to her faith, family, and friends.

Cathee grew up in Mundelein, Illinois, attending school there and graduating from Mundelein High School in 1969. A talented musician, she played the clarinet in school bands and performed in parades and many other instrumental and choral events. A highlight of her senior year included a band bus trip to New Orleans, with performances in the Illinois State Capitol rotunda as well as other schools along the way. Her early years were filled with attendance at church, enjoyment of music and fellowship with friends and family that would shape her lifelong appreciation for the many blessings she experienced in life.

Following high school, Cathee began her professional journey as telephone operator at Illinois Bell and then, for about a year, at Pacific Bell in San Diego before returning to Illinois. Through dedication and hard work, she rose to the position of Group Chief Operator for Illinois Bell before deciding to return to southern California. She made good use of her people skills as Front Desk Manager at Griswold's Hotel in Claremont, where her professionalism and warm demeanor left a lasting impression on colleagues and guests alike.

It was during a Griswold's office Christmas party in 1979 that Cathee caught the eye of a young man named Jonathon "Jon" Plaxton and they began dating. They fell in love and were married September 20, 1980. After renting a house in Claremont, they purchased their first home in Ontario, CA in 1983. They made their home there for 32 years and raised two sons, John Derek and Matthew Todd. Jon pursued a career in Information Technology, while Cathee made a home for her family, raised her children, and worked as a pre-school aid. Later she returned to school and earned her Nursing Assistant certificate, first providing care at an assisted living facility and later for her parents through their latter years.

Early years revolved around church, career, children, and caring for others. In later years, Cathee would often accompany Jon on business trips, traveling to many locations in the U.S. and once to Italy, where they enjoyed time in Rome, Venice, Pisa, and Milan. After retirement, they enjoyed walks on the beach, sunsets, and traveling into LA to attend many Hollywood shows, their favorite being America's Got Talent. In 2015 they moved to Orange County to be closer to their grandsons Liem and Nash, whom Cathee adored. She loved being their "Mimi" and embraced every moment spent with them.

Faith was the cornerstone of Cathee's life, sustaining her through many years of physical hardship and the heartache of losing her parents and many friends. She was confirmed at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Mundelein as a teen, and as an adult made a personal confession of faith at the Wesleyan Church in Covina, California. For 26 years she faithfully attended and served at Calvary Chapel of the Chino Valley. At the time of her passing, she was attending Revival Christian Fellowship in Murrieta, CA.

Cathee had a deep love for sewing and quilting, crafting beautiful pieces that reflected her creativity and care. She designed many as gifts, using the colors, patterns, and arrangement of fabrics to shape a singular story within the piece to connect heart-to-heart to the person she designed it for. She also found joy in cooking and baking, often bringing people together through delicious meals and delightful celebrations. Baking Christmas cookies with her grandsons brought her the greatest pleasure.

Cathee is survived by her beloved husband Jonathon; sons John (Kyle Willis) and Matthew (Cynthia); grandsons Liem and Nash; brothers Richard (Terri), William (Marilyn), Thomas (Jennye), and David (Joy) Foss; aunt Beverly Mylin; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins who will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Catherine Foss.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 29, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., followed by a reception at The Club at 26768 Summer Sunshine Drive in Menifee. All family and friends are welcome.

Cathee always had a special place in her heart for children, especially those who were hurting, and was a supporter of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. In lieu of flowers, a donation to SJCRH in Cathee's name would be appreciated (www.stjude.org).

Cathee would often say that her greatest desire for her family and friends is that they would experience the same love, joy, hope, and peace in Jesus that she had. May the memory of Cathee Plaxton and the faith she professed in her Lord and Savior, Jesus, bring comfort and hope to all who knew and loved her.