COLUMBUS, Ohio –– With her loving parents by her side, Kathryn “Katie” Soraya Gardner died on December 5, 2025, at the James Cancer Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Katie was born on August 19, 1997, in Lancaster, Ohio, the daughter of Tamara “Tammy” (Brown) June Gardner and Todd Lee Gardner.
Katie is survived by her parents Todd and Tammy Gardner of Athens, Ohio, her grandma, Karen Gardner of Albany, Ohio, and her uncles Tim Brown of The Plains, Ohio, David (Susan) Brown of Kensington, Maryland, and Larry Cooper of Athens, Ohio; cousins Stacey and her daughters Emma and Jocylen Gavrell of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, Todd Cooper of The Plains, Ohio, Bryan (April) Cooper and their daughters Ashley Cooper and Bryanna (Logan) Ward of Athens and McArthur, Ohio.
She also had many special friends: Alexandra “Alex”, Hannah, Caden, Kevin, Blue, Dana Dugen, Dana Geffner, Ali Rockwell, “big sister” Annah (Jim) and their son Isidoro and love of her life, Jon Fox.
She is preceded in death by her grandma “granny” Betty Brown, grandpas Sam Brown and David Gardner and her aunt Bonnie “Nana” Cooper.
Katie graduated summa cum laude from the Honors Tutorial College at Ohio University with a bachelor ‘s degree in Globalization and Development. She then continued her studies there to earn a master’s degree in Communication and Development.
Katie’s ceaseless curiosity made her interested in other cultures. She explored those interests in Colombia, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and India. She also went to 48 of the 50 United States with the plan to finally visit Louisiana and North Dakota.
Katie enjoyed the small, subtle joys of life. Whether it was a long walk with her dog Maisy, lunch with a close friend, or a good book on her front porch. She appreciated everyday rituals and routines. She was also a brilliant artist. Drawing, pottery, painting, and graphic design were some of her many talents. She used them to capture the spirit of the people and places she loved.
Katie worked as Assistant Audience Engagement Editor at the Food & Environment Reporting Network. Prior to that, she served as the Communication Manager for the Fair World Project.
In her own wordsm she was a “creative storyteller propelled by a passion for people and planet.” Her Christian faith, graduate studies, and professional endeavors led her into global social justice issues. She did fieldwork in sustainable agricultural development in Latin America and the Caribbean, researched land rights and community development in East Africa as a published author, empowered human rights activists in South Asia, and documented stories of women defending the environment in Appalachia. She had a deep belief in the power of stories to connect humanity and create social change.
Katie’s generosity as a friend and an active member of her community leaves a hole in many hearts. Locally she volunteered with Good Works and the Alexander Inclusive Playground Project. She served as a caregiver for several children, including those with disabilities. She regularly attended Central Avenue United Methodist Church where she joyfully cared for children in the nursery.
Katie will be missed by all the friends and family she touched during her short but beautiful life. Her big smile put even the most anxious person at ease. She will be remembered for her kindness and generosity but also the strength, resiliency, and grace with which she faced her terminal cancer.
Calling hours will be held Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, 24 Morris Avenue, Athens, OH. The memorial service will take place at Central Avenue United Methodist Church, 73 Central Avenue, Athens, 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11 and will be followed by a processional to the New Marshfield cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of these organizations in Katie’s memory.
Plant With Purpose
5075 Shoreham Place
San Diego, CA 92122
Friends of the Shelter Dogs
PO Box 576
Athens, OH 45701
Please share a memory, a note of condolence, or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.
