Kathryn "Kay" Adele Kumler

Kathryn “Kay” Kumler

Born in Hamilton, Ohio

Kathryn “Kay” Kumler, age 88, of Hamilton, Ohio, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born in Hamilton to Glenn and Marcella Evans.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Joseph Kumler; her son, James Kumler; her brothers, Thomas and David Evans; and her sister, Barbara Heitsman.

She is survived by her sister Nancy (Bob) Moore, daughter-in-law, Tammy Kumler; her daughter, Karen Freeman (Todd Puffenbarger); her sons, Joe Kumler and Michael (Laura) Kumler; seven cherished grandchildren - Adele Freeman (Davey Everhart), Chuck Freeman, Joshua (Carlee) Kumler, Stephanie (Meredith) Kumler, Erin Kumler, Alexandra Kumler, and Delaney Kumler; two great-grandchildren - Cara Joy and TJ, with a third great-grandchild on the way; and many extended family members and friends who were touched by her kindness and generosity.

After graduating from Fairfield High School, Kay attended Miami University through an accelerated teacher education program. She began her career as a teacher in Cleveland Heights and Fairfield before marrying the love of her life, Joe, with whom she shared nearly 30 years of marriage and raised their family with love and devotion.

Kay dedicated her life to serving others. While focusing on raising her children, she also spent more than forty years as a devoted volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America. In recognition of her extraordinary service, she was awarded the Silver Beaver Award, the highest honor bestowed upon local Scout volunteers.

Her spirit of service extended well beyond Scouting. Kay volunteered with local food pantries, gardening groups, and community organizations. She was also a cherished member of the Mothersingers in Columbus, where she shared her love of music and brought joy to many.

Later in life, Kay relocated to Cincinnati and became an active and valued member of the Maple Knoll community, participating in many activities, delivering mail, leading the garden club, and volunteering at ReRun, the community’s resale shop. Through these activities, she made many new friends, including her dear friend Corrine.

Family was always at the center of Kay’s life. She will be remembered for her deep love of flowers, passion for gardening, her exceptional cooking, her lifelong service to others, and her joyful perspective on life—including simple ideas like believing that ice cream fills in the cracks, which she joyfully taught every grandchild over a bowl of chocolate ice cream. Her warmth, humor, and quiet wisdom left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 12th, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Avance Funeral Home, (4976 Winton Rd, Fairfield, OH 45014). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 13th at 10:00 am at St. Gabriel Catholic Church (48 W Sharon Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45246) with a graveside service at Rose Hill Burial Park (2421 Princeton Rd, Hamilton, OH 45011) immediately after mass.

We ask for your prayers for the eternal rest of the soul of our beloved sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and for the loving family she leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Kay’s honor to a scholarship created in memory of her son, James “Jay” Kumler (https://www.givetomiamioh.org/s/916/22/landing-int.aspx?sid=916&gid=1&pgid=23452&cid=48165&ecid=48165&crid=0&calpgid=9087&calcid=18947) or the Maple Knoll Village (MKV) Future Care Fund (https://mapleknoll.org/donate/)