Kathy L. Aker

Kathy Aker, age 67, passed away on December 6, 2022.

Kathy was born in Cincinnati, Ohio to Ralph and JoAnn Miller (nee McClain). Kathy married Joseph Aker of Cincinnati, Ohio on August 23, 1975, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Kathy is survived by her husband Joseph Aker, her mother JoAnn Miller, her children, Timothy (Katie) Aker, and Brian Aker, her grandchildren, Tyler Aker, Cloe Woolard, Rafe Aker, and Ruthie Aker, her siblings, Barbara (Michael) Bruewer, David (Debbie) Miller, and Nancy Miller. Sister -in-law, Karen Aker and extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Ralph Miller, and her brother Mike Aker.

After graduating from Western Hills High School in 1973, Kathy went on to fulfill her dream of becoming a registered nurse at the Jewish Hospital School of Nursing and after graduation continued working at Jewish Hospital (Clifton).

In high school Kathy met the love of her life, Joe Aker. After completing her RN degree, she and Joe were married at St. Luke’s UCC in 1975 and began their life together. Kathy and Joe were inseparable. They were avid boaters and campers and on a typical weekend they would be headed south to camp at their favorite spot, enjoy time with life-long friends and enjoy the waters of Lake Cumberland. Even after Tim and Brian were born the trek south continued, until they eventually purchased a second home. Kathy glowed when she was on the water with her family and friends.

Another of Kathy’s passions was for nursing. She worked as an OB nurse for many years at Jewish Hospital and thereafter worked as a surgical nurse. Once the boys came along, she reduced her hours working at CEI among other smaller facilities. Kathy had a quest for knowledge which led her to Mount St. Joseph to gain her bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She continued the work as a women’s advocate in Lincoln Heights and eventually became a coordinator for Every Child Succeeds.

Kathy’s favorite role was being a Mom and Grandmother. She loved her boys like a lioness defending her cubs. She passed on her love for life, strong work ethic and passion for boating. Grandchildren were the ultimate gift. She loved spending time with them, especially on the water in Cumberland.

Kathy’s greatest battle was with her cancer diagnosis. After receiving the news of breast cancer, she fought as she typically did and won the battle. A few years later Kathy received the diagnosis of Stage IV Lung Cancer. She was accepted into an immunotherapy study with OHC at Mercy West, where she met an amazing oncologist who worked with her and answered ALL her questions. Kathy was the longest living patient on that study surviving an amazing 8 years. She fought the long hard fight.

Visitation will be held Monday, December 12, 2022, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Arlington Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 2155 Compton Road, 45231 (follow the blue line upon entering the memorial park).

Services for Kathy L. Aker will be held on Monday, December 12, 2022, at 6:00 PM at Arlington Memorial Gardens Funeral Home with Sue Slusher, officiating. Final disposition will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations in memory of Kathy’s life to be made to American Cancer Society https://donate3.cancer.org/ or a charity of your choice.