Kathleen Patterson Tordoff

Kathleen "Taff" Patterson Tordoff

March 28, 1945 - July 9, 2025

Kathleen "Taff" Patterson Tordoff passed away peacefully on July 9, 2025, in Indianola, Iowa, at the age of 80.

Known for her compassionate work with children and adults with disabilities, Taff dedicated her career to making a difference in the lives of others. Career highlights included her devoted service at the Cherokee Work Activity Center and Cherokee Washington High School, where her spirit and unwavering dedication made a lasting impact on the countless individuals and families she served.

A voracious learner with a deep love of education, Kathy graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in Cherokee, Iowa, earned her bachelor's degree from Mount St. Scholastica, completed her master's degree at Briar Cliff College, and pursued doctoral studies at Drake University (ABD).

Taff's passions included hiking, gardening, education, nature, and animals of all kinds. She made a strong impression on everyone who met her, and those who knew Kathy will remember her quick wit and wonderful sense of humor, which brought joy and laughter to even the most challenging situations.

She is survived by her daughter Amy Patterson and spouse Paul Lemon of Indianola, Iowa; her brothers Mike, Tom, and Rob Diehl; sister Trish Thompson; sister-in-law Becky Holohan and family; and foster son Peter Reinert and family. She was preceded in death by her parents Mary Catherine Gleason and Charles Anthony Diehl, and her husband William Lee Tordoff.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on September 14, 2025, at the Greenwood Jay Spence Shelter in Des Moines, Iowa, with a memorial service at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Easterseals of Iowa.