Kathleen A. Hanson, 73, of Chillicothe, Ohio unexpectedly passed away at 4:46am Monday, October 19, 2026, at Adena Regional Medical Center. She was born on December 13, 1952, in Sidney, OH, to the late Francis Schneider and Wandalene (Evans) Schneider. On December 10, 1977, she married Thomas D. Hanson Sr., who preceded her in death on April 18, 2023. Together, they shared 45 years of marriage. She is survived by her loving daughter, Kristin (Brandon) Trout; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Amelia, and Nicholas Trout; Siblings, Francine (Grover Jr.) Low, Patricia (Gary) Carboni, and James (Karen) Schneider; in-laws, Robert (Donna) Hanson Jr., Pamela (William) Phillips, Kathryn Carder, Patricia (David) Brewer, John Hanson, and Paul Hanson; sister-in-law, Charlotte Gilmore; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her stepfather, Richard Shawler; stepmother, Ethel Schneider; brother, George W. Schneider; her husband's parents, and brother-in-law, Russell Hanson.
Kathy went to nursing school in Springfield, OH at The Community Hospital School of Nursing following her high school graduation in 1971. This was a 3 year Diploma Nurse RN program, in which she graduated from in 1974. She focused on Critical Care. She was an exemplary, skilled nurse who brought both deep technical expertise and profound compassion to her work every single day. Her clinical judgement was sharp, her attention to detail was flawless, and her ability to remain calm under pressure made her a cornerstone for her team. Beyond her exceptional skills, she possessed a rare, comforting presence as a patient advocate that put patients at ease and gave families peace of mind during their most vulnerable moments. She truly embodied the highest standards of the nursing profession. She was always chosen to train new nurses and help teach classes wherever she worked. She received numerous awards over the course of her profession.
She possessed a rare and brilliant mind, finding joy in the precision of math and science, and never turning down the challenge of a complex puzzle book. An avid reader, her curiosity knew no bounds. She had a unique fascination with the intricate world of true crime television and real life forensic mysteries, always appreciating the pursuit of truth and justice. She was an expert gardener growing gardens in California, when she lived there, as well as in Ohio, when she moved back here.
Anchored by a deep and personal faith, her Catholic belief guided her daily life. She found great comfort in the image of angels, keeping their sacred protection close. Her beloved collection of angel figures stood as a beautiful reminder of the heavenly peace and grace that filled her soul.
Above all else, she always wanted to be a mother and she was the best. She was a constant anchor and teacher. Always patient, deeply encouraging, and offering unconditional love. Her home was a place of comfort, filled with open arms, ready advice, and shared meals. When she earned the cherished title of "Nana", her heart expanded even further. She doted on her grandchildren endlessly, delighting in every milestone, keeping traditions alive, and filling their lives with sweetness and unconditional pride.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 30, 2026 at 11:00am at St. Peter Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. Margaret Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday from 5:00pm – 7:00pm at the Haller Funeral Home, where a prayer vigil will be held at 7:00pm.
Full service details and the family guest book are available at Haller Funeral Home & Crematory.