Ashtabula, Ohio - Katherine Shineman, known to all as "Kitty," went to be with her Lord in Heaven in December 2025. She passed away peacefully.

Kitty was born on July 14, 1937, in Cambridge, Ohio. In 1942, her family moved to Ashtabula, Ohio, where she attended local schools. She was the daughter of Lewis Antonio and Evelyn Antonio Coutts.

Kitty had three sisters and one brother, all of whom preceded her in death, with the exception of her sister, Viola Canter of Jefferson, Ohio, with whom she shared a particularly close bond throughout her life. She later moved to Independence, Missouri, where she met and married Earl Shineman. Together they had one son, Mitchell. Mitchell later married Amber, and they had one daughter, Lily, who was the joy of Kitty's life. Kitty loved her son and granddaughter deeply and with all her heart. Earl preceded Kitty in death. As a young woman, Kitty was gifted with a beautiful singing voice that sounded far beyond her years. She competed in a national singing competition in New York City, earning first place in her first year of competition and second place the following year—an accomplishment she carried with quiet pride throughout her life.

Kitty also had a lifelong love of horses and riding, and in her younger years competed in numerous rodeos. In later years, she worked from her home and took great pride in caring for her house and yard, finding joy in tending her flowers, feeding the birds, and spending peaceful moments outdoors.

After retiring, Kitty's sister Viola encouraged her to return to Ohio. The two sisters remained very close, and Kitty moved into an apartment in Jefferson, Ohio, near Viola's home.

A memorial service for close friends and family was held on December 16 at the Ashtabula Pentecostal Church of God on Cook Road. In accordance with her wishes, Kitty was cremated, and her ashes will be placed at her father's grave in Kelloggsville, where many members of her family are buried.