Kathleen Rae Ziska, 79, passed away on Monday, March 27, 2023. She was born in Ellwood City, PA to Samuel Mervin and Thelma Martha (Craven) Schantz on November 25, 1943. A celebration of life was held on April 02, 2023 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home in Phoenix, AZ.
Kathy moved with her family from Ellwood City, PA to Phoenix, AZ in 1946. Kathy graduated from Carl Hayden High School. Following high school, she attended Arizona State University where she also met her husband of nearly 54 years, James Robert Ziska. Upon graduation, Kathy became an elementary school teacher in the Cartwright School District (Palm Lane) where she enjoyed a long career teaching 2nd grade.
Kathy is survived by her daughter Kristina Ziska, son James (Brad) Ziska, daughter-in-law Denise Ziska, granddaughter Brittany Sanders, granddaughter Brianna and husband Kaiden Macdonald, grandson Kyle Ziska, great grandsons Jovi and Tilly Macdonald, brother Mervin and wife Joy Schantz, brother Richard Schantz, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Kathy was a loving and caring wife, mother, and sister. Loved ones and friends remember her dearly for her sophistication, beauty, and love of Mexican food. Kathy enjoyed family gatherings, playing card games, many years of Friday night dinners and movies with longtime friends, and tending to her plants.
Kathy’s passing leaves an empty place in our hearts, though we are comforted by her faith in Jesus Christ and certainty of her future in Heaven with her beloved husband.
Denise Ziska
Kathy was the best mother in law. She was accepting and loving from the beginning. She loved me as one of her own. She loved that I loved on her plants the way she would love and nature them. I have so many years of wonderful memories with her and will miss her so much. She will always have a very special place in my heart. I’m sad she’s left us but comforted knowing she’s arrived to her eternal home in heaven with her best friend, the love of her life.
I will miss you Mom! Until we meet again please watch over us and always keep and safe.
Beth Bruce
My sympathy for all who are missing Kathy. I taught with her at Palm Lane School for many years. We both suffered from issues with our feet and we both loved teaching (most of the time). To use one word to describe her would be “classy “. May God’s love and comfort surround you during your grieving.