Kathryn Louise Gerhart

Kathryn Louise (Jacobs) Gerhart passed away on October 17, 2026, at the age of 79. Born on June 18, 1947 in Lehigh County (PA), Kathryn lived a life marked by warmth, energy, and deep devotion to the people and places she loved most.

Throughout her life, Kathryn built a career that reflected both her versatility and her strong work ethic. She served as an executive assistant with the American Cancer Society and later worked as Vice President at UPMC Children’s Hospital. She also became the owner of a Minute Man Press franchise and then worked as a realtor with Coldwell Banker. In every role she held, Kathryn brought dedication, professionalism, and a genuine connection with others.

Amongst others, several of her accolades received in work and the community include - 1982-1983 PA Federation of BPW Clubs - Woman of the Year, 1991-1992 Dormont-Mt Lebanon Rotary Club - Rotarian of the Year, 1994-1995 Dormont-Mt Lebanon Rotary Club - Paul Harris Fellow, 1998-2001 Dormont-Mt Lebanon Rotary Club - President, 2017 Ligonier Valley YMCA - Member of the Year and 2023 Westmoreland County Senior Games - Senior Sportsman of the Year.

Kathryn gave of herself generously as a board member of Smithfield United Church of Christ in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her faith was an important part of her life and shaped the kindness and care she extended to so many. She was vibrant and outgoing, the kind of person who seemed to be friends with everyone. Friendly and full of energy, Kathryn brought light wherever she went.

She found joy in the simple and beautiful parts of life. She loved gardening, baking, and cooking, and her blueberry pies became especially famous among those lucky enough to enjoy them. She served as president of her local Rotary chapter, reflecting her commitment to community and service. Kathryn also loved traveling, treasured the Ligonier area, and most of all loved spending time with her family, especially during the holidays, when her warmth and love were felt most deeply.

Kathryn will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Rodney M. Gerhart. She was a devoted mother to her daughter, Rebecca Leigh Jacobs (Gerhart) Grippando, and a proud mother-in-law to Robert Thomas Grippando. Nothing brought her greater happiness than being a grandmother to Addison Sophia Grippando and Lucas Jacob Grippando, who were among her greatest joys. The love Kathryn shared with her family was steady, generous, and enduring, and her presence will remain a cherished part of their lives.

She was preceded in death by her parents Tony and Marion (Yenser) Jacobs; and her sister, Jean Rackawack.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a public viewing on October 21, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at Snyder-Green Funeral Home, 402 East Church Street, Ligonier, PA 15658. A funeral service will follow at Snyder-Green Funeral Home around 3:30 p.m, with a reception thereafter at Ligonier Country Club, 729 Fairway Lane (off Rt 711 South), Ligonier, PA 15658.

Kathryn Louise (Jacobs) Gerhart will be remembered for her generous spirit, her boundless friendliness, and the love she poured into her family, her work, her friends, and her community. Her memory will be held close by all who knew and loved her.