Kathryn Gayle Christlieb

Her family is sad to inform you that Kathryn “Kathy” Gayle Christlieb (Potter), fiercely loving mother and grandmother, music lover, avid shopper, and free spirit, passed away at age 70 on June 22, 2025. Kathy was born in Toledo, Ohio to James and Gloria Potter on May 27, 1955. She graduated from Start High School, then the Toledo Academy of Beauty (though she always preferred to work on friends’ and family’s hair). In 1974, she made her family home in Napoleon, Ohio with the love of her life, James “Jim” Christlieb and their two children. She held a variety of jobs but was mainly and steadfastly devoted to the care of her children and grandchildren. She is survived by: her children, Matthew Vohl, David Christlieb, and Allison Davis (m. Jamie Davis); four grandchildren, Edith Christlieb, and Tatum, Porter, and Zeke Davis; her sister Sandy Wainscott; her brother Jim Potter (m. Becky Potter), her brother-in-law Doug Christlieb; her sister-in-law Carolyn Clevenger; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Kathy warmed every room she entered, either with her radiant smile or with her fiery spirit. She was a lifelong music fan, from the Beatles, Janis Joplin, and Fleetwood Mac to Nirvana and Nine Inch Nails. Kathy loved adventure, but settled down for family adventures with her hubby and kids. She loved deeply and defended her family and friends ferociously. Kathy was a legendary “swim mom” and selfless mother all around, logging thousands of hours on highways to swim meets and water polo games. She opened her home enthusiastically to all: her kids, their friends, their friends’ friends, etc. Her grandchildren will greatly miss her joking around with them and her “crazy hair.”

Her family invites you to join them in a Celebration of Life on Saturday, June 28, with visitation from 4-6 p.m., and a ceremony starting at 6 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Avenue, Toledo, Ohio. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the United Way.