Kay Frances Hartz
Kay Frances Hartz, age 84, longtime Shelby resident, passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, May 22, 2025 with her daughters by her side. Her death follows a brief battle with cancer.
Kay was born February 8, 1941 in Shelby, Ohio, to the late Thurlow Edwin and Mary L. (Bloom) Miller. After graduating from Shelby High School in 1959, she married the love of her life, Charles Floyd Hartz, on June 28. Together they shared 25 wonderful years until his passing on October 22, 1984.
After Charles’ death, Kay exemplified strength and resilience, returning to school to continue her education. She earned an associate degree in Business from North Central Technical College in 1989, received her school treasurer’s license in 1997, and proudly completed her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Ashland University in 2005.
Her professional journey began at Shelby Mutual Insurance, continued at Bank One, and ended in a fulfilling career with the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center, where she retired as the Treasurer’s Assistant in the Payroll Department.
Kay was a woman of deep faith and service. A long-standing member of Shelby First United Methodist Church, she cared for children in the nursery and volunteered with the summer lunch program, the community meal ministry, and the Angel Tree program. She was a lifetime Girl Scout and troop leader, a 4-H advisor, a volunteer at the Renaissance Theatre, a Huron County Master Gardener, and served for several years as a trustee at Holiday Lakes where she has permanently resided since the summer of 2017. In 2009, Kay was honored with the Jess Rath Christian Volunteer Service Award, recognizing her extraordinary service and impact on her community.
Kay is survived by her daughters: Cathy (Bill) Gardner of Shelby and Sandra Tener of Defiance; grandchildren: Kimberly (Brad) Vargo, Matt (Allie) Gardner, Mariah (Clay) Armstrong, Hollie (Conner) Landon, and Nick Hartz; step-grandchildren: Sabrina Harpster, Sam Weber, Stephen Fryer, and Mason Fryer; and numerous great-grandchildren who brought her immense joy and pride; in-laws: Drema Miller and Howard Hursh; and other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by her son: David A. Hartz; son-in-law: Mark Tener; and brother: Walter Miller.
Family and friends are welcome on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 from 4-6 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby where funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 11 am. Guests are also welcome to visit one hour prior to the services from 10-11 am. Pastor Michael Padula will officiate the services with burial immediately following in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. Memorial contributions may be made to Shelby Helpline, 29½ Walnut Street, Shelby, OH 44875 or to the Enrichment Centers of Huron County, 130 Shady Lane, Blg. C, Norwalk, OH 44857 for the benefit of their Meals on Wheels Program.
Condolences may be made on Kay’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
To view Kay’s tribute video, click here: Kay’s tribute video.
I am so sorry for your loss in case u don’t remember she helped me with 4-H club. Ruth
Cathy and family we are so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear Mother. I enjoyed talking and working with Kay. Prayers for the days ahead. May she rest in peace.
Condolences and prayers for the entire family.
So sorry to hear of Kay’s passing My thoughts and prayers go out to all her family members.
Kay was a loving kind person. Thru the years we have been friends. My last get together was thru the the Cooking Club at the Willard library ! What delightful and fun times we had.
May she rest in peace
I am so sorry to hear of Kay’s passing. A wonderful lady and full of spirit and faith. She was a diligent worker and will be missed. May you cherish your memories. God be with you all.
She did a good job with the many things she volunteered for. Will be missed.
So very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I have many fond memories of your mother from church throughout the years, from early childhood. May God bless you.
I am very sorry to hear about Kay’s passing. I did not know her very well but when my father passed at Holiday Lakes she gifted me with a crochet cross which I still keep in my bible. Her kindness will not be forgotten. My condolences to all.
Sending my condolences for your loss. Kay was a faithful servant as well as a good friend. Always enjoyed working with her to plan our Thursday night dinners at the Methodist church. Praying that your memories will ease your grief.
Prayers for comfort and peace for Sandra, Cathy and all of Kay’s family.We enjoyed our visits as we traveled to the Ernsthausen weekly for our pool therapy. She was a special friend, and I was blessed to have known her. She had a strong faith, and I admired that in her. May God be with you in this difficult time. ♥️
Cathy & Sandra,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your dear Mom.
We enjoyed talking and working with her at church. She always kept in touch with cards and phone calls. She will be missed!
Cathy, Sandra, and family,
My sincere sympathy to you. I met Kay through my job with the Richland County 4-H program. She was a very active volunteer. May God bless and comfort you in the days to come.
So sorry for your loss! Just saw this, your family has my deepest sympathy. Kay and I were in scouts for many years together. She was a good and talented lady.
Dear Cathy and Sandra, I am so sorry to hear about your dear mother. She was a kind, loving, and sweet cousin who loved life, and always made our reunion memorable. I remember her watching us kids when we were small, and loved hearing her stories about coming to town with her dad when he went to work so she could help take care of the four of us Bloom kids to help Mom out. She has always been a wonderful and favorite cousin. My thoughts and prayers go out to you girls and your families. Lots of love, Linda Todd
Kay was so involved in the church. She will be missed .Prayers for strength for the difficult days ahead.
Joann Hipsher