Catherine “Cathy” A. Cripe, 70, died at 2:24 p.m. Jan. 16, 2013 at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.  She was born July 26, 1942, in Bluffton, Ohio, to the late Arthur and Cleota (Lanning) Lewis. 

Cathy retired as a retail manager at “Welcome Home” in Houston, Texas.  She was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ, Bluffton.  She enjoyed the "60’s Girls’ Group" and was a member of the Bluffton Senior Citizens where she enjoyed playing cards.  She resided in Bluffton for the last 10 years with her sister, Mary.

Cathy was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and was a 1960 graduate of Bluffton High School.

Survivors include three sons, Patrick (Dedra) Puckett of Noblesville, Ind., Michael (Marie) Puckett of Otisco, Ind., Jonathan (Trina) Cripe of Cordova, Alaska; five grandchildren Christian, Levi, Alanna Puckett and Wyatt and Arianna Cripe; two sisters, Mary Coletta of Bluffton,, Barbara Slapin of Clearwater, Fla.; a brother Ray Lewis of Chicago, ll., and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20.  at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 223 W. College Ave.,  Bluffton with the Rev. Carol Clements officiating.  The family will receive friends at the church following the service. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. John’s United Church of Christ or Bluffton Senior Citizens Center.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com
Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton, have been entrusted with the arrangements.