Lima – Cathy Joyce Root, 73, passed away March 31, 2024 at 9:00 P.M. in her home.

Cathy was born October 28, 1950 in Allen County to Miles and Betty Hefner who preceded her in death.

Cathy graduated from Elida High School and earned her cosmetology license from the Frederick's Beauty Academy. She worked as a Managing Cosmetologist from 1976-2014 at several hair salons including: Kenneth's Beauty Salon, Westgate House of Styles, House of Styles, and New Creations. Cathy always made Christmas a special celebration for the family she cherished. Cathy had a passion for arts and crafts, gardening, crochet, and love of animals especially her dogs Smokey and Hercules. But her biggest love was for her family.

Cathy was preceded in death by her brother, John Hefner; and also her unborn great-grandchild Robin Mellano.

Cathy is survived by her life partner of over thirty years, Aaron Ralston. Her brother, James Hefner (Qing). Her daughter, Shannon Mellano (Steve), and sons Shawn Parlette (Kimberly) and Aaron Root. Nieces Angela Beaver and Jennifer Hefner. 10 Grandchildren: Danny Phalen, Miles Mellano, Mason Mellano, Mitchell Mellano, Elizabeth Parlette, Mamie Mellano, Kayla Solomon, Brice Keeling, Kjaristy Lunz, Delilah Root. 11 Great-grandchildren: Oliver Mellano, Rylan Medlock, Felicity Mellano, Gabriel Rodriguez, Knox Phalen, Henry Mellano, Audrey Mellano, Lyric Parlette, Julianna Solomon, Melody Mellano, Gina Mellano.

There will be a viewing Thursday, April 4, 2024 from 4 - 8 P.M. and Friday, April 5, 2024 from 10 – 11 A.M. at the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, 728 E. Fourth Street Spencerville, OH 45887. A Celebration of Life will be conducted at the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home Friday, April 5, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. Burial will be at the Greenlawn Cemetery on Dutch Hollow Rd. in Elida. All memorial contributions may be given to Debs Dogs. Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville is caring for Cathy and her family.