Catherine 'Kay' Tarr, Austintown, Ohio
She was born April 14, 1928, in Youngstown, Kay was a lifelong area resident and a daughter of the late Daniel and Sophia Richards.
Find obituaries from your high school
She graduated from South High School in 1946 and went on to build a life grounded in faith, family, music and community.
Kay was a devoted member of Western Reserve United Methodist Church, where she served as the church organist for an incredible 40 years. She also volunteered her time at the church's roast beef dinners, sharing her warmth and kindness with all who attended.
Throughout her life, Kay touched many lives through her work and involvement in the community. She was employed with Saxon Club Catering and also worked in the cafeteria at Woodside School. Her commitment to service extended into her many club affiliations; Kay was a charter member and past president of both the Calon Lan Welsh Club and the Mau Mil Club. She was also a proud and long time member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Miriam Chapter #278, for nearly 80 years.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 49 years, Edward 'Ted' Tarr, who passed on January 2, 2000; her son, Thomas Tarr, in 1962 and her brother, Darwell Richards.
Kay leaves behind three loving sons, David 'Scott' Tarr of Austintown, Daniel (Brenda) Tarr of Girard and William Tarr of Youngstown.
Family and friends may call on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 12:00 – 12:45 p.m., at Lane Funeral Home, Canfield Chapel. An Eastern Star service will be held at 12:45 p.m., followed immediately by Kay's funeral service.
To leave condolences, please visit www.lanefuneralhomes.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Catherine, please visit our floral store.Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Chicago Tribune
15-07-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Jan Kay, stalwart west suburban volunteer, dies
Jan Kay led Wheaton's League of Women Voters chapter and focused other volunteer efforts on helping the homeless and disadvantaged, serving for more than two decades on the western suburb's Housing Commission and Commission on Aging. 'Jan had a gift for reaching out to others, especially those who were disenfranchised or on the margins, to make sure they knew she saw them and could be a friend (and) an ally,' said Kim Hesterman Reed, a friend and member of the League of Women Voters of Glen Ellyn. Kay, 89, died of natural causes on June 10 while in hospice care at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, said her son, Bob. She had been a longtime Wheaton resident. Born Janice Lucille Cave in Waverly, Iowa, Kay received a bachelor's degree in music from Wartburg College in Waverly in 1959. While at Wartburg, Kay met her future husband, Thomas O. Kay. The couple married in 1959 and moved to Wheaton, where her husband taught history at Wheaton College for 45 years. He died in 2022. For many years, Kay taught piano in her home, and she also played the piano at her church and accompanied the chorus at Hawthorne Elementary School in Wheaton, where her children went, her son said. Kay also served on Wheaton's United Way board. In Kay's later years, she became deeply involved in her community. She was president of Wheaton's League of Women Voters chapter from 1993 until 1995 and again from 2005 until 2009 and earlier, she had served as the group's action chair. And she served on the board of the city's Housing Commission — now known as its Commission on Aging — from 1997 until her death. 'She was a very strong advocate for our community,' Wheaton Mayor Philip Suess said in June at a City Council meeting. 'You think of her community involvement over the years that she's lived in Wheaton, she and her husband, Tom, were great advocates for the community, and (they were involved) … through their church, through Wheaton College and through the League of Women Voters.' Colleagues recalled Kay's interest in people on welfare and those experiencing homelessness. Starting in the 1990s, Kay was involved with a Chicago-based women's group called Creating Bridges, which held simulations aimed at helping middle-class suburbanites better understand the frustrating, entangling webs of welfare agencies. 'I've gotten to know women who have had to be in the (welfare) system for some time,' Kay told the Tribune in 1991. 'I hope I'm a help to them … as a friend.' That same commitment to assisting those in need spurred Kay to become part of the Continuum of Care, a DuPage County-led agency that is a planning body that works with a variety of agencies to provide strategies at ending and preventing homelessness. Kay served on the DuPage Continuum of Cares Gaps and Needs Committee for more than three decades until her death. The Gaps and Needs Committee identifies the gaps in services and the needs of the Continuum of Care in serving vulnerable populations, including analyzing local data and providing evidence to further address and support such needs within the community. 'What made Jan Kay so special is that she was such a powerful advocate and such a compassionate champion for so many people and so many causes,' said Lisa Snipes, the DuPage Continuum of Care's continuum planner. 'She was a people person, and the work she did with the Continuum of Care was centered around individuals experiencing homelessness.' Snipes recalled that whenever Kay would encounter someone who was homeless, 'she would have so much compassion and kindness for people who were vulnerable and who found themselves in unfortunate circumstances that she would engage them in conversation and buy them a sandwich and sit down and listen. That was so comforting. She practiced what she preached.' Kay also was very active in the DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform, a nonprofit collaboration of government and community groups that works to marshal local resources to address human services needs. With her knowledge of elected officials and legislation through her work with the League of Women Voters, Kay led a committee for advocacy at the DuPage Federation. She had been involved with that group since its inception in 1995. 'She was generous with her time to help the federation do its best job for advocacy,' said David Roth, the group's executive director. 'Jan excelled at supporting people, and she is one who fervently believed that if we worked together, we can get this done. And she did it with a graciousness and a passion that was unsurpassed.' Early this year, Wheaton honored Kay with the city's volunteer Excellence Award. In addition to her son, Kay is survived by a daughter, Catherine; another son, John; two sisters, Virginia Ruzicka and Rebecca Radel; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Services were held.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Yahoo
Carter, Sondra J. 1942-2025 Elwood, Kan.
ELWOOD, Kan. – Sondra J. Carter, 83, of Elwood, Kansas, passed away Friday, July 11, 2025, at the Belleview Care Center, in St. Joseph. Sondra was born on March 15, 1942, in St. Joseph, to Wilber and P. Ferne (Trotter) Simmons. Sondra graduated from Elwood High School in 1960. She was a member of the Eastern Star for over 60 years and was of the Methodist Faith. Sondra was an office manager for Aim High, worked for Sherwood Medical for 30 years and managed the Agape Apartments, in Elwood. Sondra married Dennis 'Tony' Carter on April 7, 1961. He survives of the home. She was preceded in death by her parents. Additional survivors, daughters, Penny Muller, Julie Pohl (Darrell) and Gina Carter (Gary Minor); nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild and one on the way; brother, Danny Simmons (Ramona); numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral Service: 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home, in Wathena, Kansas. Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Monday evening at the funeral home. Friends may call after noon Monday. Burial: Memorial Park Cemetery, St. Joseph. Memorials: Alzheimer's Association. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
American Press
18-06-2025
- American Press
Katherine Bel Blake
On what would have been her 71st wedding anniversary with the love of her life, William 'Billy' Blake, Katherine Krause Blake, known affectionately as 'Kaki' or 'Kay' passed away peacefully on June 12, 2025, at the age of 91. She was born on March 22, 1934, in Lake Charles, La., where she would go on to live a full and deeply rooted life filled with devotion to family, service to her community, and a passion for lifelong learning and friendship. A graduate of Lake Charles High School, Kay stood out early as a leader and role model, graduating in the top ten of her class, receiving the American Legion Award and serving as the American Flag Bearer her freshman year, and the distinguished Kiltie Colonel during her senior year. Her academic journey took her to Louisiana State University and the University of Colorado before graduating from McNeese State University with a Bachelor of Science degree. Kay was a pillar of civic life in Lake Charles. She gave decades of service to the Junior League of Lake Charles, where she served in key leadership roles as Treasurer, Vice President, and President. She served as Chairman of the March of Dimes and Treasurer of the Lake Charles Ballet Society. She was honored to reign as Queen of the Krewe of Mystique in 2012, celebrating with her enthusiastic spirit, humor, and love for Lake Charles Mardi Gras tradition. Her commitment to education led her to serve on the Episcopal Day School Board, where she also volunteered one day each week for a full year. She was honored to serve on the McNeese Foundation, continuing her commitment to education and the future of her hometown. Her deep faith and compassion were evident in her long involvement at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, where she served on the vestry and as Secretary. In 1992, Kay and her husband, Billy, with the support of fellow members of Good Shepherd, founded the Chapel of the Holy Spirit in Big Lake, a mission church that stood as a testament to their steadfast dedication to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She also volunteered at Abraham's Tent for three years, quietly serving meals and support to those in need. At home, Kay was 'Mom,' a role she cherished above all others. She nurtured and encouraged her children with strength, humor, and unwavering love. In their early years, she led a Blue Bird group, creating memories that would last a lifetime. A gifted writer and keen observer of the world around her, Kay found great joy in writing. She co-wrote the book 'Growing Up in Lake Charles,' written alongside Katherine Maloy Newell and Jeanette Plauché Parker, a heartfelt memoir that captured the spirit of her hometown and the joys and challenges of a bygone era. She also co-authored 'Record Run' in the year 2000 with her dear friend and bridge partner, Jim Barrow, chronicling their memorable adventures at the bridge table and beyond. Her writing reflected her wit, wisdom, and appreciation for the people and places that shaped her life. Kay loved to travel and explore the world, and over the years she visited countries near and far. Her travels broadened her perspective and deepened her appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the world, a passion she shared generously with family and friends. A brilliant and passionate bridge player, Kay achieved the esteemed titles of National Life Master and Ruby Life Master from the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL). She fostered a strong local bridge community as the longtime owner of the Bridge Club of Lake Charles on McNeese Street, a cherished gathering place for many. Katherine Blake is survived by her three daughters, Della Blake Rose (Billy), Susan Dows Blake, and Marie Blake Grace (Mark); seven grandchildren, Blake Rose, Annabel Rose Dinnerstein (Jed), Hardtner Klumpp (Julie), Rudy Klumpp (Emily), Walter Klumpp, Lindsay Grace, and Jaimie Grace (Amy), and six great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy, Henry Dinnerstein, Jack Dinnerstein, Rose Dinnerstein, Madeline Klumpp, James Klumpp, and Liam Klumpp. She is also survived by her beloved dog and faithful companion, Ernie. Katherine Blake was preceded in death by her parents, Della Goos Bel, and Rudolph Edward Krause; her beloved sister, Della Bel Krause 'Dudie,' and her cherished husband, William Dows Blake 'Billy.' The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Clifton Williams, her 'jack of all trades' whose generous help, steady presence, and unmatched fried chicken have been a family treasure for 46 years. They also honor Linda DeRuso for her 48 years of dedicated service with the Blakes before her retirement in 2021. Sincere thanks to Donna Celestine and Mary Guillory, her devoted full-time caregivers, who worked countless hours with love and compassion to ensure Kay had everything she could ever need. Their care brought comfort, dignity, and peace to her final chapter. Deep thanks also go to the compassionate team at Brighton Bridge Hospice, whose support and guidance were invaluable. A warm thank-you as well to Rebecca, whose kindness and presence were deeply appreciated. The family also wishes to thank everyone else who offered their help, care, prayers, and kindness in any way during Kay's final days. Your support meant more than words can express. Throughout her life, Kay led with integrity, gave with joy, and cared with her whole heart. Her legacy is written in the lives she touched, through leadership, mentorship, friendship, creativity, and love. She is now reunited with her beloved Billy, her husband of seven decades, on the very day that once marked the beginning of their married life together. Visitation will begin on Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. in Hardtner Hall of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church. A second visitation will take place on Friday, July 11, 2025, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m., immediately followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. at Good Shepherd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Good Shepherd Episcopal Church Foundation, or Episcopal Day School Foundation. Kay Blake's life was a testament to the power of purpose, service, curiosity, and unconditional love, and her memory will remain a light to all who knew her. Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at
