Kathryn Root

Kathryn J. Root (74) passed away on Thursday, May 8th, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Kathy was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio on April 7th, 1951 to David Russell "Russ" and Miriam (Harrod) Forsythe. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ralph H. Root Jr.; her parents; her in-laws, Ralph H. Sr. and Ann (McClintock) Root; her sister-in-law Joan McElheny and brothers-in-law, Norman McElheny and John Stiffler. Kathy is survived by her sister, Sandy (Dave) Miracle; her step-children, Beth (Chris) Maisenbacher, Ralph (Peggy) Root III, Wesley (Cindy) Root and Bradley (Kynthia Droesch) Root; her step- grandchildren, C.J. (Megan) Maisenbacher, Katina (fiancé Nick Siegert), Joshua (Jessica) Root, Justin Root, Zachary Root, William Root, Emalie Root, Maxwell Root and Leona Droesch; her step-great grandsons, Alexander Root and Lucas Maisenbacher; nephews J.D. and Joel Miracle and their families along with other nieces, nephews and cousins.

Kathy graduated from Belle Center High School in 1969. She received her undergraduate degree from Bowling Green State University earning a Bachelor of Science in Education, enjoying the time she spent student teaching in Sao Paulo, Brazil. She later received a Master of Education degree from Wright State University. Kathy spent eight years teaching 3rd grade in Naples, Florida before returning to Ohio to teach 1st grade at Southeastern Elementary in Bellefontaine from 1982-2007.

Upon returning to Ohio, Kathy met Ralph and they were married March 11th, 1983. Kathy enjoyed reading, crafts, knitting, sports, nature, animals, food and music. She and Ralph spent many years raising and showing Labrador Retrievers through their kennel, Zane Hills Labradors. Moving to Hilliard they were blessed to belong to Riverside Methodist Church where they became members in 2018. Most important was her cherished Doris Fick Bible Study Group. She loved studying the Bible and loved her sisters in Christ. Kathy was beautiful, kind, inspirational and filled with joy. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

The family will receive friends at Riverside Methodist Church, 2701 Zollinger Road in Upper Arlington. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 14th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Kathy's funeral will be at the church on Thursday, May 15th at 10:00 a.m. She will then be laid to rest at the Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Norwich Township.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Kathy's memory be made to Riverside Methodist Church, 2701 Zollinger Road, Upper Arlington, OH 43221 or the Cincinnati Labrador Rescue, P.O. Box 30561, Cincinnati, OH 45230.