Kathleen Elizabeth (Bauch) Maddox

Kathleen Elizabeth Bauch Maddox, lovingly known as Kitten or Kitty, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2026, at age 78, surrounded by the love of her family after a five-month battle with lung cancer. A lifelong Tallmadge resident, devoted educator and coach, woman of deep faith, and loving mother and grandmother, Kitty spent her life investing in the people and community she loved.

Born December 19, 1947, in Akron, Ohio, Kitty was a lifelong resident of Tallmadge. Remarkably, she spent her entire life on North Munroe—the same street where she grew up and later raised her own family. Tallmadge was more than simply where Kitty lived; it was home in the truest sense, filled with a lifetime of family, friendships, and memories.

Kitty graduated from Tallmadge High School and Kent State University before earning her master’s degree from Marygrove College in Michigan. She devoted her 35-year teaching career to Tallmadge City Schools, where she taught physical education and health to generations of students, spending most of her career at Tallmadge Middle School.

Kitty was also a pioneer in girls’ athletics in Tallmadge. During her first year of teaching at Tallmadge High School, when girls’ volleyball, basketball, and softball were still considered club activities, she coached all three sports and, alongside other area coaches, helped pave the way for competitive interscholastic athletics for girls. Blessed with an exceptional group of young athletes, Kitty went on to lead the Tallmadge girls’ basketball team to three consecutive Metro League championships.

Her dedication to Tallmadge athletics eventually earned her a place in the Tallmadge High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Yet some of the most meaningful rewards of coaching came not from championships or recognition, but from the lifelong friendships Kitty formed with the young women she coached. Many remained an important part of her life long after their playing days were over.

In retirement, Kitty continued to enjoy the relationships and connections that had always meant so much to her. She worked part-time at Erie Station Grille and Rite-Aid, where she formed still more lasting friendships. Whether in a classroom, on a basketball court, behind a counter, or simply talking with a friend, Kitty had a natural way of connecting with people and making them feel cared for.

Faith was a constant throughout Kitty’s life. A lifelong and active member of First Congregational Church of Tallmadge, she found strength, friendship, and community within her church family. Her faith was reflected in the way she lived—through her kindness, generosity, encouragement, and care for others. During her final months, that faith brought her comfort and a deep sense of peace and trust in God’s promise of eternal life.

Kitty found great joy in life’s simple pleasures—a good book, music, a garden in bloom, and the familiar beauty of nature around her. An avid reader and devoted gardener, she took great pride in caring for her beautiful, park-like property and tending to her flowers. Her home was shared over the years with many beloved dogs, each holding a special place in her heart. She delighted in the birds and woodland creatures that visited her yard and found happiness in the quiet beauty of the world around her.

Above all, Kitty’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother and immensely proud grandmother, always ready with her love, encouragement, and support. Some of her happiest moments came when she returned to the basketball court and athletic field—not as a coach this time, but as a grandmother cheering from the sidelines for her grandson and twin granddaughters.

Kitty also shared an especially close and loving relationship with her brother, Chris, and sister- in-law, Sue. Their bond went well beyond that of siblings and in-laws; they were cherished companions and an important part of Kitty’s everyday life. Through the years, they shared countless moments, memories, laughter, and the kind of enduring friendship that comes from a lifetime spent loving and supporting one another. Their presence and devotion were particularly meaningful to Kitty throughout her final months.

During those final months, Kitty faced her illness with the same strong-willed and determined spirit that characterized her throughout her life. Surrounded by those she loved and strengthened by her faith, her hospice journey became a deeply meaningful final chapter in a life defined by family, friendship, service, and love.

Kitty was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Alberta Bauch; and brother, Pat Bauch.

She is survived by her daughter, Anne (Dan) Pertick of Kent; son, John (Diana) Maddox of Wadsworth; brother, Chris (Sue) Bauch of Tallmadge; grandchildren, Luke, Natalie, and Julia; niece, Amy (Brent) Bauknecht; nephews, Patrick (Irina) Bauch and Matthew (Neha) Bauch; cousin, Denny Crossen; and many cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews, and dear friends.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave., on the Historic Tallmadge Circle.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 12, 2026, at First Congregational Church of Tallmadge, 85 Heritage Drive, with Rev. Dan Doty officiating. Per Kitty’s wishes, a private interment with her family will take place at Tallmadge Cemetery.

Kitty’s family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Western Reserve Hospital, UH Seidman Cancer Center, Visiting Angels Caregivers and especially to the Summa Hospice team, whose gentleness, compassion, and loving care brought comfort to Kitty and her family throughout her final months.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Kitty’s memory to the First Congregational Church of Tallmadge Youth Mission Fund or the Tallmadge Fire Department. 85 W. Overdale Dr. Tallmadge OH 44278.

For donations to the Youth Mission Fund, checks may be made payable to First Congregational Church with “Youth Mission Fund – Maddox” in the memo line and mailed to 85 Heritage Drive, Tallmadge, OH 44278. Online donations may also be made through this link: https://fcctallmadge.org/tag/youth-missions/