Kathleen Elizabeth Jones Gofton, 66, of Naples died suddenly, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2003, at her home.
She was born in Tyrone on Sept. 1, 1936, the first daughter and third child of the late Brigadier General Benjamin C. and Kathleen (Stover) Jones.
Her love for drama and travel, two-lifelong avocations, were born early as she moved frequently with her military family, ending up back in the Jones’ hoemtown of Tyrone, where her father practiced law and was owner-editor of the local paper.
Betsy, as she was affectionately known, took part in all school productions, sang with the Meelodears ensemble, and won scholastic vocal honors district-wide, demonstrating the talent that was to take her to a careet in the theater.
An honor student and speaker at graduation, Kathleen earned a liberal arts degree at Wilson College in 1958, then collected on the promise of her father had given to help her further her education in drama. She attended the American Academy of Dramatic Art in New York City and graduated with distinction in a class that included names later to become well known.
Kathleen pursued her theatrical career in off-Broadway productions, and won plaudits in the theatrical publications for her comedic and dramatic interpretations of leading roles in such productions as “Our Town” and many more. She traveled in Europe for a time, then returned to Tyrone and taught at the Grier School, a finishing school for girls, for two years.
Once again, the spirit of adventure directed her to other lands, and she spent two years living in Scotland teaching and acting there. Betsy turned her talents to Community Theater in several locations and settled in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, known for its superlative theater.
While there, she married Francis Charles Gofton in 1966. Kathleen received high praise for leading roles in Brigadoon, Fiddler on the Roof, South Pacific and other well-known musicals. Her repertory included ingenue, comedienne, classic drama and suspense.
In 1976, Kathleen and Frank permanently moved to naples, to be near her ailing father. She was an emplyee since 1978 of the circulation department of the Naples Daily News, retiring in 1995.
Her husband, Frank, who acted in many productions with her, died July 8, 2001. She was also preceded in death by her parents, and two brothers, Benjamin C. and David M. Jones.
She leaves to mourn her loss, two sons, David W. Gofton of Laconte, Fla. and Benjamin J. Gofton; two granddaughters, Hope A. and Faith L. Gofton, all of Naples; maternal aunt, Mrs. Leslie (Mardelle) Fink of Tyrone.
Kathleen Elizabeth Jones Gofton will live in the memories of her family and friends as a highly gifted individual with a deep capacity for friendship, a keen intellect and an infectious will.
She will be missed.
Memorial contributions in her memory are suggested to the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Southern, Fla., 3421 Bonita Beach, SW Bonita Springs, Fl. 34134.
