Obituary of Kay I. Holtz
Webster: Thursday, September 12, 2024, age 87. Born in 1936, Kay was the only child of John and Ethel Shear. She attended Webster schools, graduating in 1954. After high school, she studied to become a dental assistant and worked for several Webster dentists.
In 1960, Kay married her High School sweetheart Bob Holtz. They stayed in Webster and built a house on property that was part of the Holtz family farm. In 1967, Todd her first child was born. It was at this time she stepped away from her job in the office to spend her days raising a family. From time to time, she would help with scheduling and bookkeeping for Dr. Norman Bartell D.D.S., but her main focus now was her family. In 1971, Tim her second son was born. Once both boys were in school Kay began volunteering at Bay Road school assisting teachers in the first and second grade. When Bay Road School closed and teachers were placed in different parts of the district, she followed those teachers to Klem South school and continued to volunteer long after her own children had graduated high school.
In 1993, the honor of Webster Woman of the Year was bestowed upon Kay by the Webster Business and Professional Women’s Club, a day she would never forget. A day filled with family and friends, celebrating her dedication to others and contributions to her community in many different ways. It was in her nature to be a caregiver, not only to her own family, but friends as well. She took care of others until it was her time to be cared for.
After Bob retired in 1995, the two would spend some of the winter months in Florida. Kay enjoyed her trip to Walt Disney World with the High School Marching Band years before, and now only an hour from the park, they would visit often. During the 20 years spent in Florida both Kay and Bob would volunteer each week at the Southeast Guide Dog campus walking dogs in training.
Kay is predeceased by her parents, John and Ethel Shear. She is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, Bob; her sons Todd (Veronica) and Tim (Lori) and brother-in-law Gary (Gail). Kay will also be remembered by numerous friends who she thought of as an extension of her family.
Kay’s legacy of kindness, care, selflessness and service to her loved ones will remain as an enduring inspiration for all who knew and loved her.