KATHRYN HOPE IMPERIAL

Kathryn Hope (Crown, Stephens) Imperial, 93, of Columbus, died peacefully on Thursday, July 2, 2015 after a long life full of love. She was born in Columbus on Jan. 1, 1922 to Bertha (Overly) Crown and Samuel Crown.

Kate loved music, and was singing and dancing to the very end.

She taught euchre to three generations of card players who in turn tried to teach her poker, although she wasn’t much interested.

She was always the last to sit down at family meals, still scurrying around to make sure the potatoes were properly mashed or the little ones were eating enough of her famous deviled eggs while many of us had already started on dessert.

And she, despite every protest, was always the first one up to clear the table and start washing the dishes. At some point, in 1989 or thereabouts, we just gave up, accepted the inevitable, and sometimes offered to dry.

She loved her family greatly and in turn was greatly loved. When trouble came, as it does to every family, Kate was always there, our port in every storm. When joy came, Kate was there, too, to share in and add to our happiness. Even now, in our sadness at losing her, our joy multiplies as we remember the decades of love she gave to us.

Kate was preceded in death by husbands Joseph Stephens and Michael Imperial. She is survived by a beautiful family: son Stephen Stephens and his wife Sandra; grandchildren Steve Stephens, Jr. and his wife Diana Lockwood; Shaun Stephens and his wife Tina; Rebecca Martin and her husband Jeff; and Shad Stephens and his wife Beth; great- grandchildren Tronny Monahan and his wife Angel; Joe, Mike, Charles and Katey Stephens; Heather and Lee Martin and Jessica Martin Livingston; Bailey Stephens; Tyler, Dillon, Ashley and Josh Stephens and Alan Riggans; and great-great grandchildren Tatum and Tronny Monahan and Noah and Liam Livingston.

Friends can visit from 2-5 p.m., Sunday July 5 at Newcomer Funeral Home, 3393 Broadway, Grove City. A funeral service will be held there 1 p.m. Monday July 6.