Catherine I. (Lukens) Melvin

Catherine I. (Lukens) Melvin

Catherine I. Melvin age 81, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday Sept 1, 2026, at UVMC. She was born in Dayton, Ohio, to the late Charles Lukens and Charlotte (Scroggy) Lukens.

Cathie is survived by her husband of 32 years, Charles P. Melvin; son David (Celeste) Kelsey of Englewood; daughter Rachel Kelsey of Cincinnati; and daughter Andie (Laura) Hutchinson of Dayton; three grandchildren: Lauren Kelsey, Trenton Kelsey and Erin Kelsey; brother Russ (Marilyn) Lukens; sister-in-law Wanda Lukens; and sister-in law Kathy Lukens. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers William Lukens and Edwin Lukens.

Cathie was a 1963 graduate of West Milton High School and attended Miami University. Cathie was a co-owner of Arf Design and Print in Troy with her husband Chuck for over 30 years. An accomplished designer and artist, Cathie started her first design company, Grant Street Graphics, in the 1970s. She also worked as a sales representative for Time Warner Cable before beginning Arf Design and Print in 1992. Cathie’s creativeness is remembered in Troy as she was the one to give the Southwest Historical District its name during its inception.

Cathie’s gift for the arts also led her to the Troy Civic Theatre and her much-loved roles as an actress, set painter and accomplished director for many shows over the past 40+ years. She won many best director awards and other accolades along her theatre journey.

Her love for Jesus was unmatched. She studied scripture, started Bible study groups and worked with children at Bible schools throughout her lifetime. She was an angel on Earth.

The family will receive friends from 5-7pm on September 8th with a Christian service held at 7pm that evening at Baird’s Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: St. Jude Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, Memphis Tenn. or to Troy Civic Theatre, PO Box 491, Troy Ohio.

Condolences may be expressed to the family through www.bairdfuneralhome.com.