Kay Hartman Obituary

Kay L. Hartman

Jul 25, 1940 - Apr 21, 2023

Berlin Heights

Kay Louise (Kugel) Hartman of Berlin Heights left her worldly struggles behind as she died Friday, April 21, 2023, with her husband and daughters by her side in her final hours.

The youngest of two daughters, Kay was born July 25, 1940, in Norwalk, to Donald F. and Biligildis C. (Walter) Kugel. She graduated as salutatorian of her 1958 Norwalk High School class. Her family moved to Ceylon shortly thereafter. A chance encounter while buying eggs from a local farm led her to meet her husband of 62 years, John Walter Hartman. They wed June 17, 1960. The city girl adapted to life on Meadow Brook Farm where together they raised corn, soybeans, wheat, cattle, and daughters. In later years, they added asparagus to the mix and developed many friendships as loyal customers returned each spring for the seasonal delicacy.

In addition to her work on the farm, Kay advocated for agriculture through her employment at Farm Service Agency of the USDA and through her membership in Farm Bureau, which afforded her an opportunity to grow into various leadership positions and form lasting friendships.

Kay was a member of 1st Congregational U.C.C., Berlin Heights, and member of Erie County Extension Homemakers. She modeled physical fitness for her daughters, regularly participating in aerobics classes and enjoying her favorite seasonal exercise, lawn mowing.

Kay was a strong-minded woman, loyal friend, and supportive mother and grandmother. She will be remembered as a woman who was solid in her values.

She is survived by her husband, John; three daughters, Sandra Hacker (Michael) of Markle, Indiana, and Darcy Hartman and Wendy Hartman, both of Columbus; five grandchildren, Cassandra (Hacker) Perkey (Tim) of Georgetown, Kentucky, Walter Hacker of Columbus, Kelton Hartman Vaeth of Portland, Oregon, Faye Hartman Vaeth of Columbus, and Connor Harper of Columbus. Her first great-grandchild, Ryan Perkey, was born in 2022. She also had a close relationship with her sister Annette's children, Debra (Stower) Sayre of Willard and Ronald Stower of Norwalk, having lost their mother while they were teens.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Annette J. (Kugel) Stower.

Visitation will take place 3-7 p.m. Friday, April 28, 2023, at Toft Funeral Home, Hinman Chapel, 38 South Street, Berlin Heights.

Visitation will resume at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 29, 2023, at First Congregational U.C.C., 5 E. Main St., Berlin Heights. Kay's funeral will be 11 a.m. Saturday. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Kay's honor to Berlin Heights Historical Society or Berlin Heights Community Center.

Toft Funeral Home, Hinman Chapel, is handling arrangements.

Condolences may be shared online at toftfuneralhome.com.