Kathy Anne Detwiler passed away peacefully on June 28, 2024, in Lakeview, Ohio.
In her final days, she was surrounded by family and enjoyed reminiscing about a lifetime of happy memories. Kathy was born on January 19, 1946, in Springfield, Ohio.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Aurelia Engle, and her brother, Gary Engle. Kathy is survived by her daughters, Ami (Richard) Horvath and Molli (Tony) Jackson. Grandchildren include Jordan Richards, Alex (Janey) Richards, Drew Jackson, Maddi Jackson and Erin Jackson.
Kathy had a lifelong love of learning. She was a 1964 graduate of Bellefontaine High School. Upon graduation, Kathy entered the workforce in downtown Bellefontaine. She longed to further her education. Her early career led her to cosmetology school in 1978. She enjoyed serving her clients for many years. In 1985, her next pursuit was to become an instructor at the Ohio State School of Cosmetology.
Kathy raised her daughters in Bellefontaine, but later returned to Springfield, where she continued her education at Sinclair Community College earning an associate’s degree in nursing in 1987. Kathy continued her education at Franklin University earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1998. Kathy worked in many capacities as an RN. She loved being a surgical nurse at Community Hospital and Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital. Kathy then worked to serve seniors as an insurance Certified Case Manager and Director. Her work included helping seniors stay in their homes, access services and maintain their quality of life. She was the Director of Nursing at Heartland and Campbell House. She and her daughters were extremely proud of her work in the nursing field. Kathy received multiple commendations from Nationwide, Ohio Health, Humana and Anthem for her dedication to the nursing profession.
Kathy’s daughters and grandchildren will remember the warmth of her smile and pride she had in them and their accomplishments. She was always generous with anything she had to give. Kathy enjoyed entertaining and cooking for her family. She loved flowers, attending concerts and musicals. She was always delighted to have a ladies’ lunch with her daughters or her longtime friend, Susie Chapman. She traveled any chance she had. She helped begin her family’s love of the beach. In later life, her dog, Buddy, brought her tremendous joy. The last months of Kathy’s life were a gift her daughters will always cherish. The gift of time, where nothing was left unsaid, and love was unconditional.
Kathy’s daughters would like to thank the nurses and staff at Indian Lake Rehab for their care. In particular Pam, Susan, Kelsie, Tamara and Maggie. Your kindness will not be forgotten.
Pastor Bryan Meadows will officiate Kathy’s Celebration of Life on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 6 p.m. at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 321 N. Main Street, Bellefontaine. The family will receive friends from 4:30 to 6 p.m. before the Celebration of Life.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Kathy Detwiler Scholarship for a 2025 BHS Nursing student. If donating, please make payable to Bellefontaine City Schools, including Kathy Detwiler Memorial Scholarship, in the memo line. Donations can be mailed to Bellefontaine City Schools, at 820 Ludlow Rd, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311.
Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, is honored to serve the Detwiler family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.
