Katie Lynn Begala

Katie Lynn Begala, 31, passed away at home on December 3, 2017.

Katie was born in Youngstown, Ohio, on December 24, 1985, the daughter of Robert S. and Terry Ann (DeMoss) Begala.

Katie graduated from Canfield High School in 2004. She attended Stark State University and graduated at the top of her class as a respiratory therapist and respiratory practitioner. She held licenses in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia and worked at the Cleveland Clinic and Akron Summa Hospital. Katie envisioned to one day open an equine therapy facility to help children with respiratory and physical disabilities.

Besides her parents, she leaves her sister, Kimberly Ann Begala of Boston. Other survivors include aunts and uncles, Julie (Fred Sr.) Hicken of New Middletown, Michael Begala of Poland, James (Jane) Begala of Boardman, Christine (Jack) Zelinka of Poland, Edward Begala of Poland, and Linda (Richard) Ellashek of Poland. She also leaves cousins, Fred (Jennifer) Hicken Jr., Teri Kertesz, Emily, Allison, and Caroline Begala, and Mary and Olivia Zelinka.

Katie was preceded in death by her grandparents, Louis and Viola Begala and Edward and Lucille DeMoss; aunt Patricia Begala; and uncle Richard Ellashek Jr.

Katie had a tender heart, loved all animals, and developed an instant rapport with them. She loved riding her horse, Kailu, and enjoyed teaching children how to ride. She enjoyed nature and found peace on her walks in Mill Creek Park with her father. On shopping trips with her mother, she developed her flair and creativity with fashion. Even though she loved make-up and glitz, she had a tomboy side and would spend time outdoors shootin' and muddin' with her best friend, Andy Kramer.

People who met Katie were struck by her beauty and smile. However, beneath Katie's beautiful smile, she battled depression and anxiety most of her life. She relied on her family, friends, doctors, hope and daily prayers as she struggled to find a solution and to ease her pain. In the end, it became too much for her to bear. She will always be held in the hearts of those who loved her deeply.

The family would like to extend special thanks for those entrusted with her care, Dr. Alex Vrable and Dr. Lewis Spirtos.

A funeral service will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main St., Poland. Interment will follow at Poland Riverside Cemetery.Family and friends will be received on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. and Friday from 10-10:45 a.m. at the funeral home.

The family requests that material tributes take the form of contributions in Katie's name to Mahoning County Dog Warden, 1230 N. Meridian Rd., Youngstown, Ohio 44509.  Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.