Catherine A. Hanes 1942-2026

Cat’s parents, John Ralph Kiepper and Marion Martha Greene Kiepper of Southington, preceded her in death.

Cat was a 1960 graduate of Chalker High School, where she enthusiastically played the bass drum in the band.

Cat was employed by Copperweld Steel Co. Champion, from 1979 until 1996. She was a proud Union member of Steelworkers Local Union #2243, and the Fire Brigade. She was a leader in her support of women’s rights in a male-dominated workforce.

Our Mom’s favorite color was green, she always said “because it was God’s favorite color too, if you don’t believe me, look around at how much he used it.” From childhood Cat had a deep love of nature and birds and animals of every kind. She enjoyed any chance to share her knowledge and teach every generation of her family and friends all about gardening, nature, and wildlife. Many years ago she loved to dance, and often was found kicking up her heels at the Hacienda with her best dance partner, the late Richard L. “Dick” Swanson.

Cat had a lifelong spirit of generosity and often shared anything she had with anyone in need, ever willing and able to help where she could.

Our Mom was highly intelligent, innately curious, and had a fantastic sense of humor, and was witty beyond compare. She was a spirited red head, both kind and loving, with her own strong sense of how everything should be done. If she liked you, or loved you, you knew it and if she didn’t, you knew that too.

Cat traveled extensively across the United States, living in 32 states. She had been to 49 of the 50 states, only missing visiting Hawaii.

She was preceded in death by her longtime love, Thomas D. Coleman, her former husband, and her children’s father; John H. Hanes, her eldest son; Shannon R. Hanes and an infant daughter, Liberty Susan Hanes. Cat was the middle child of nine and had grieved the passing of her siblings, Mary Alice (Don Martinec), John Ralph Jack (Jean) Kiepper II, Thomas (Charlotte) Kiepper, Marilyn (Jim) McGinnis and Christopher Kiepper and infant sister Beth Kiepper.

She will be mourned and is survived by her three children, Kimberley (James) Liadis of Youngstown, Marion (Ron) Chaney of North Carolina, and John (Nancy) Hanes of North Carolina; her sisters, Regina (Clarence) Speaker of Champion, Michael (Tom) Davies of Murrietta, California and Susan (John) Adgate. also of Champion.

Grandma Cat’s beloved grandchildren were Kristina (Justin) Bendel, Stacie Liadis, John Bench, Michael ( Stephen) Coleman, Steven (Pamela) Bennett, Nicole (Kyle) Kopanski, Hannah, Holly and Haden Hanes, Jessica (Evan) Chaney Beil, and Bryce and Dana Coleman.

She was great-grandma to Lawson Bennett, Elias Chamberlain, Bennett Kopanski, and his little sister, Rooke Bench, and her three newest Coleman additions, and Baby Beil on the way.

Cat was blessed to have many dozens of nieces and nephews from coast to coast and cousins far and wide.

She lived her last few years in the care of some wonderful nurses, special aides, and receptionist friends at Maplecrest in Struthers. We thank them for treating her with the kindness, dignity and respect she deserved.

Our Mom’s preference was to be cremated, her belief was not to take up space in a cemetery, but instead to leave the land for the living.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Carl W Hall 533 N. Park Ave., Warren, where services will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

Friends and family may gather from 5 p.m. until service time at the funeral home on Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers, feel free to make a donation to any Wildlife Conservation Organization, or any Unhoused, or Women’s and Children’s shelters.

(special notice)