Kay Ellen Gutheil Hartsel was the beloved wife of James E. Hartsel, dearly loved mother of Julie Hartsel Gerdes (Bernie) of Cincinnati Ohio, Jon Hartsel (Johanna) of New York City, and Matt Hartsel (Megan) of Steamboat Springs Colorado. She was the proud and devoted grandmother of Nick, Rob, Finn, Culley, Sage, August, and Theo. She is also survived by her sisters Ann Reynolds and Karla Gutheil of Grove City, Ohio. Kay was born to Lawrence and Margaret Gutheil and grew up on a farm on the far outskirts of Grove City. She graduated from Grove City High School and then earned a BA in Elementary Education from Capital University in Columbus. She was employed as a teacher in the Southwestern District and Upper Arlington District in Columbus. She met Jim, the love of her life, as he completed a graduate degree at Ohio State, and they married just prior to Jim leaving for Vietnam as a lieutenant in the Army. When Jim returned, they lived in Columbus as Jim returned to Ohio State as a PhD student. Julie was born while Jim was completing this degree and Kay became a stay at home mother. Soon the family moved to Cincinnati for Jim to work at General Electric, and Jonathan was born. The family moved to Massachusetts for Jim to work at the GE Lynn location four years later, and Matt was born there. The family explored New England with many trips to beaches, New Hampshire, Maine, and Cape Cod. After 10 years, the family returned to its Ohio roots in Cincinnati. Kay nurtured her children through the school years and college years and then later became an incredibly enthusiastic grandparent. Kay lived in their Montgomery home for nearly 36 years. She was known for beautiful flower gardens and making neighbors feel welcome, along with parties on her porch to bring people together. Kay kept busy with participation in many community and neighborhood activities including Welcome Wagon (Welcomers), multiple bridge groups, Garden Club, investment club, book club, and painting with various groups. She cultivated her early painting skills into impressive watercolor paintings, specializing in representing flowers, outdoor landscapes, and beach scenes from Naples, Florida. She especially enjoyed sharing her notecards featuring her work with friends and selling them at church for fundraisers. Kay and Jim traveled and spent many winters in Florida. They also specialized in babysitting the local grandchildren, where Kay utilized her teaching skills. After Jim's passing in 2014, Kay took trips on her own to Germany, US National Parks, Bahamas, New York, Colorado, and Naples Florida. Even upon her diagnosis in 2019, Kay participated in church and her social life (especially in her bridge groups) as fully as possible. She was a loyal wife, mother, and grandmother, and also a good and fun-loving friend to many throughout all the stages of her life. Her smile and positivity will be missed by all. Family will receive friends Wednesday, February 19 from 10-11 AM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Kenwood, where a Memorial Service will follow at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or time the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.