Kathi "Spatara" Strange

Kathi Strange of Boardman, Ohio, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family. Born on April 4, 1952, in Ohio, Kathi was a graduate of McDonald High School in McDonald, Ohio. She married the love of her life, Ronald Strange, on July 10, 1971, and together they shared more than five decades of devotion, laughter, and companionship.

Kathi was the heart of her home. She was gentle and kind yet had a spark of feistiness that made her truly unforgettable. She found joy not in grand gestures but in the simple comforts of family, familiar routines, and moments of togetherness. She adored her husband, Ron, her cherished son, RJ, and every one of her brothers and sisters. Her love was steady and unconditional, and she never stopped caring deeply for those around her, even as the years brought change and loss.

For many years, Kathi worked in the meat department at Sparkle Market in Boardman, where she was known for her strong work ethic, soft smile, and willingness to help anyone who needed a hand. Her coworkers became like extended family, and her dedication reflected the way she lived her entire life: humble, reliable, and full of heart.

At home, Kathi enjoyed life's simple pleasures. She loved playing PlayStation and could often be found relaxing and watching television. She was happiest when she was with family, where laughter and a little friendly arguing were never far away. Those who knew Kathi and Ron knew they could bicker like only two people who'd spent a lifetime together could. She was feisty and strong-willed, and he could give it right back, but through every disagreement and every laugh, their love never faltered. After fifty-four years of marriage, they always ended each day the same way reaching for each other's hands and saying, "I love you."

Kathi also loved sharing memories from her childhood. She often talked about when she was a little girl, telling stories about Grandma that brought smiles and laughter to those who listened. Remembering those moments made her happy and kept the spirit of her family's past alive.

In her final days, that same love surrounded her. Ron, though in his own wheelchair and facing his own health struggles, would wheel himself to her bedside, take her hand, and whisper those same words a lifetime of love spoken simply and sincerely. It was a quiet, beautiful reminder of the bond they shared and the devotion that carried them through every season of life together.

Kathi is survived by her loving husband Ron and her devoted son RJ; her brothers Frank Spatara (Debbie) and Richard Spatara (Lori); and her sisters Georgie Donatelli (Ken), Elizabeth Denney (Theodore), and Margaret Gollings. She also leaves behind members of Ron's family, Mary and Dwayne Forsyth, Joni and Cathy Vaccaro, and Michelle Clark, who shared in many of life's milestones with her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Virginia and Dominic Spatara Sr., her brothers Dominic Jr., Michael, Joseph, Raymond, Dwayne, Christopher, Robert; and her sister Carol.

Kathi's life was one of steady love and gentle strength, leaving a lasting mark in small and beautiful ways. She loved her family deeply and completely. Her sisters and brothers were not just relatives but lifelong friends, and her husband and son were her world. Even when distance or time made visits rare, her heart never wavered in its love for them.

Those who knew Kathi will remember her as gentle and good-hearted, a woman who asked for little but gave much. She was a steady presence in a family that grew, scattered, and experienced great loss. Her life was a reminder of what love, loyalty, and family truly mean.

Though her absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, her love endures in every shared memory, every kind thought, and every story told around the family table.

A private memorial was held by her family to honor her life. In remembrance of Kathi, her loved ones ask that others take a quiet moment to reach out to family, to say "I love you," to make the call, and to keep those connections that meant so much to her.

Her gentle heart will never be forgotten.

Arrangements by Cremation & Funeral Service by Gary S. Silvat, Inc. Share memories and send condolences by visiting cremateohio.com.