Katharine "Kitty" Belle Bordner

Katharine “Kitty” Belle Bordner, born April 24, 1943, in Grass Valley, California, passed away on June 20, 2026, leaving behind a life remembered for love, adventure, kindness, and deep devotion to family, friends, and the natural world.

Although she was born in California, Kitty grew up in Wheeling, West Virginia, where she was raised by her loving parents, Howard G. Martin and Ruth Osborne Martin. She carried the strength and warmth of those roots throughout her life and graduated from Denison University in 1965. For more than 30 years, she served as Vice President and oversaw Human Resources for P.J. Bordner and Company.

Kitty had an adventurous spirit and a lifelong love of the outdoors. For 45 years, running was part of who she was, and travel brought her great joy—especially active vacations where she could take the longer hike, enjoy the beauty around her, and make new friends along the trail. Wherever she went, Kitty had a gift for connecting with people. She was a true friend, offering warmth, encouragement, and kindness freely.

Above all, Kitty was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, grandmother and aunt. Her family knew her as steady, loving, and full of life. She was also a devoted animal lover, and many mornings found her feeding the animals in the woods where she lived.

Kitty is survived by her husband, James P. Bordner; her daughter, Kristin Lynn Wilson and her husband, David R. Wilson, of Canton, Ohio; her son, Cole Martin Bordner of Columbus, Ohio; her granddaughters, Katie and Allie Wilson of Columbus, Ohio; her brother, Gary Martin of Whitefish Bay, WI; nieces and a nephew.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard G. Martin and Ruth Osborne Martin of Wheeling, West Virginia.

In keeping with Kitty’s wishes, there will be no formal services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kitty’s remembrance to Friends of Stark Parks, 5300 Tyner Street NW, Canton, Ohio 44708, or to The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, 127 Vet Med Building (office of advancement), 1900 Coffey Rd, Columbus, OH 43210

To share a memory of Kitty or leave a special message to the family, please visit the guest book at Paquelet.