Jean L. Katt (nee Laib)

Jean Laverne Katt (nee Laib), beloved wife of 74 years to the late Dr. Arthur Katt, passed in the loving care of her family on Thursday, September 7th, 2023, at the age of 96 years. Jean was born on March 13, 1927, in Cincinnati Ohio, the daughter of the late William and Edith Laib. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Bill Laib, Roger Laib, and her grandson, Michael Katt.

Loving mother of Daniel (Barb) Katt, Andrew (Jan) Katt, Alan (Angela) Katt and Ben (Kristina) Katt. Adored grandmother of Nathan Katt (Alisha Patton), Emily (Andy) Zoller, Evan (Annie) Katt, Taylor (Megan) Katt, Olivia (Greg) Mounce, Hanna Katt, and Justin Katt; and the late Michael Katt. Caring great-grandmother of Bailey, Avery, Aurie, Aurora, Graham, Pierce, Ian, Lucy, Josie, Larkin, Mallory, Hazel and Sylvia. Also survived by Charlotte and Dale Laib, Brian and Jan Laib, and Rick and Kathy Laib.

Jean was valedictorian of her high school class and was the second oldest living graduate of Colerain High School. After receiving her Bachelor's degree at Cincinnati Bible Seminary and a Master's Degree from the University of Cincinnati, she taught in the public schools at the junior high and high school levels. On the college level, she taught drama and directed several college plays.

She was deeply involved with her faith beginning with her high school and college years at White Oak Church. It was there that she met her husband Art Katt one Sunday in March of 1948. Married six months later, they were together for 74 years until his death in March 2022. She was involved in his ministries at Delhi Church of Christ for 13 years and at Beaver Lick Christian Church for 22 years, as well as other churches in Ohio, Kentucky, Kansas, and Indiana. She was also active for several decades with Celebrate Recovery, providing mentoring and personal encouragement to many women.

She was a patient and loving mother to her four rambunctious sons, praying them through each season of their lives. Surviving that ordeal with poise and grace, she was crowned Queen in the Beauties of America pageant. Honors included participation in the Reds Opening Day Parade.

In 1970, Art and Jean began and operated a successful business that helps hundreds of people throughout the world. Their life's work included supporting several global missions. Their travels included the Caribbean, Hawaii, Europe, Australia, and the Philippines.

Jean embraced each season of her life with grace and kindness, touching the lives of others through her final days. Jean will be remembered as a woman of faith, a devoted wife, and a loving mother to her four sons, and adoring grandmother and great-grandmother. Her legacy of family, faith, academic excellence, and love continues to bless her family. 

Family and friends are invited to a Visitation on Monday, September 18th from 4:30 p.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 6:00 p.m. All Celebration services will be held at White Oak Christian Church (3675 Blue Rock Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45247)

The Funeral Service will be Livestreamed, starting at 6:00 p.m., September 18th https://www.facebook.com/dwifuneralhome

Memorial contributions may be made in Jean’s memory to the Celebrate Recovery ministry at White Oak Christian Church.