Kathi Marie Arter-McKinney, 69, passed away on Monday, September 28, 2026, at her residence. Kathi was born on June 13, 1957, in Bucyrus, Ohio, to the late Thomas and Carol (Pickering) Arter.
She graduated from Crestline High School and attended Pioneer Career and Technical School. Kathi worked as a STNA for more than 20 years, dedicating her career to caring for others and making a difference in the lives of those around her.
She married her beloved wife, Cindy McKinney, and together they shared a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories. Their love and devotion to one another remained a treasured part of Kathi’s life until Cindy’s passing in December 2019.
Kathi had a beautiful and creative spirit and found joy in the things she loved most. She had a special fondness for hippos and enjoyed making jewelry and sewing her own clothes.
Some of her happiest memories were made in the kitchen, cooking alongside her grandchildren, especially when making her beloved stuffed shells. Kathi also had a free-spirited, hippie soul and lived life in her own unique and wonderful way. She will be remembered for her creativity, loving heart, and the joy she brought to everyone around her.
Left to cherish Kathi’s memory are her children, Martie (Marty) Estep and Robert (Terri) McKinney; her grandchildren, Gary, Michael, Chris, RJ, Ariana, and Dakota; her great-grandchildren, Isaiah, Jordon, Nevaeh, Heather, Chris II, Jailen, Ezra, and Asa; her brothers, Thomas Arter, David Arter, and Jerry (Mary) Clark; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Kathi was preceded in death by her brother, Daniel Williams.
Friends and family may call on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Gompf Funeral Service – Galion Chapel, 303 Portland Way N., Galion. A service will follow immediately at 4:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made out to the American Breast Cancer Foundation.
Those wishing to share a memory of Kathi or send condolences to the Mckinney family may do so by visiting www.masfh.com.
The Gompf Funeral Service – Galion Chapel, 303 Portland Way N., Galion OH, 44833, is honored to serve the family of Kathi Marie Arter-Mckinney.
Funeral Home: Gompf Funeral Service – Galion Chapel
Website: www.masfh.com