The West Liberty community is mourning the loss of Patty Kauffman, a lifelong advocate and deeply involved village leader, who passed away Thursday after battling two forms of liver cancer, including a recent stage 4 diagnosis.
Kauffman, who spent her entire adult life in a wheelchair, was known for her unwavering dedication to the village.
She served on multiple committees, the Village Council, the West Liberty Historical Society, and was a devoted member of the United Church of Christ.
Friends and neighbors remember her as a caring, committed, and irreplaceable presence in the community.
A fundraiser dinner and silent auction — originally planned to help with medical expenses — will still take place Saturday, November 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the United Church of Christ on Newell Street.
The event will now serve as both a fundraiser and a celebration of Patty’s life.
The meal will include potato, chili, vegetable, and ham & bean soups; pulled pork; cookies; brownies; lemonade; and sweet and unsweetened tea.
Dine-in and carryout options are available, and donations are welcome.
T-shirts and wristbands will continue to be sold in Patty’s memory, with proceeds assisting with remaining medical bills and final expenses.
Donations can also be made at Peoples Savings and Loan, The Shell Station, Civista, and Town Hall in West Liberty.
“We are going forward with the event as a celebration of Patty’s life and to support her family. She was a great friend and will be greatly missed,” said former West Liberty Mayor Jill McKelvey.
