Kathleen A. Gbur

AUSTINTOWN – Kathleen A. Gbur, 83, passed away peacefully Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, in the comfort of her home, with her loving family by her side.

Kathleen was born May 29, 1943, in Youngstown. She and her five siblings faced adversity early in life when their father, John Zareva, died suddenly at just 37 years old. During this difficult time, Kathy and her sister, Judy, were blessed to be taken in by Florence and Luis Fernandez, who welcomed the two young girls into their lives, took them to church and loved them as their own. Kathy’s family remains forever grateful for the love, care and guidance Florence and Luis gave Kathy and Judy during such an important time in their lives.

Kathy was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and began her working career as a telephone operator with Ohio Bell, where she worked for five years. She later found a perfect fit with the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, working as a clerk at the Cornersburg, Fosterville and Austintown libraries during her 27-year career. Her love of books and people made the library a natural home for her, and she happily retired in 2004.

Kathy was a very active and longtime member of Tabernacle Evangelical Presbyterian Church, where she participated in the Fellowship Class, Job 12:12 senior group, a home Bible study and the Bible Babes. She was also active with the Austintown Senior Citizen Center, Friends of the Library, SilverSneakers and a card club, and was a former member of Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens.

Vibrant, social and full of life, Kathy believed in staying active and enjoying all that life had to offer. She was an avid reader and true lover of books and was rarely without a book — or a bag of chocolates — by her side. She enjoyed exercising, treasured the friendships she made throughout her life and loved to travel.

For many years, Kathy traveled to New York City with her girlfriends to see Broadway shows, sightsee and enjoy the city’s restaurants. She also shared many memorable trips to Las Vegas with her sisters and nieces. After her granddaughters were born, however, South Carolina became one of her favorite destinations. She visited several times each year, enjoying Southern food, exploring new places and, most importantly, simply spending time with Marisa, Gianna and Michaela.

Above all else, Kathy cherished her family. Time spent together, especially with her children and granddaughters, brought her the greatest joy, and the memories they created will remain a lasting part of her legacy.

Kathy leaves to forever cherish her memory her son, James Gbur of Austintown; her daughter, Michelle (Michael) Zokle of Summerville, S.C.; three beloved granddaughters, Marisa, Gianna and Michaela Zokle; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.

Kathy was preceded in death by her son, Frank Gbur; her brother, John Dukes; three sisters, Dianne Greene, Judith (Richard) Kubina and Paulette Lauderback; and her former husband, Frank Gbur.

Family and friends may gather to pay respects from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at Tabernacle Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 2432 S. Raccoon Road, Austintown, where a celebration of Kathy’s life will be held at 11 a.m. A memorial luncheon will follow in the church hall.

In keeping with Kathy’s vibrant personality and the joyful way she lived her life, those attending are encouraged to wear bright colors, pinks and florals as family and friends come together to celebrate a life that was truly lived in color.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tabernacle Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Kathy’s memory.

Kathy’s family would like to extend a special thank you to her nieces, Christine Richards and Amy Walters, along with the many friends and family members who lovingly cared for and supported Kathy throughout her illness. The family also wishes to thank the staff of Grace Hospice and Dr. Mazen Hanna and his staff at Cleveland Clinic for the compassionate care provided to Kathy.