Kay Powell Obituary

Kay Ellen (Hyde) Powell 83 of Pace, FL and Burton, Ohio passed away from multiple organ failure, April 22nd, 2025.
Kay was born March 7, 1942 in Warren, Ohio. She was the eldest child and only daughter of the late Herbert and Genevieve Hyde. Kay had three younger brothers she loved in equal measure.
Kay was a student at Kinsman High School where she graduated in 1960, making her class the last to graduate before consolidation, something that pleased her. Kay attended Warren Business College which helped her gain employment with the Taylor-Winfield Company where she was part of the secretarial pool. Kay was also proficient on the IBM Punch Card system in regard to the company's payroll. She worked for Taylor-Winfield until the birth of her only child.
Our dear Kay was a ten year colon cancer survivor.
Kay was a member of the Kinsman Presbyterian Church where she attended Sunday school and sang with the church choir. Kay was a lifelong singer, and before she started her career as a homemaker, she could be heard singing at weddings, fraternal clubs, and proms. One of Kay's proudest moments was when her classmates, or as she always called them, "the kids," asked her to sing at their graduation. In her late teens and early twenties Kay sang with a small band that performed a live radio show, Breakfast at Paxtons, broadcast out of Greenville, Pennsylvania. While Kay found a way to sing everyday, her next stage performance happened in the late 80s at Rabbit Run Theatre, Madison, Ohio. She enjoyed her time on "the boards," singing in public once again, but ultimately chose to continue with being a fantastic homemaker.
Kay was a Girl Scout, a member of Rainbow Girls, and for years she was a Room Mother for her daughter's classmates. Many of those classmates spoke of Kay's affection and the ability to make them feel important. Kay was a dedicated Poll Worker, Geauga County, Ohio for 22 years several of which were as Precinct Judge.
The wonderfully delicious meals and dinners Kay crafted will be sorely missed by those lucky enough to enjoy her cooking. She was also a collector of Cambridge Glass and was a fan of old movies with Clark Gable, and her favorite, John Wayne.
Kay married the love of her life, James (Jim) Powell, August 1st, 1964 marking their 60th wedding anniversary in 2024 and were well on their way to adding yet another year. Kay and Jim actually met when he joined her second grade class before leaving two years later. Kay always remembered the boy with "the deer design running across his sweater." Meeting again in their teens Kay remembered Jim, and naturally he was smitten. The rest is history.
Kay's passing was peaceful as it should be for a woman who never had an unkind word for anyone and always put others first even at her own cost. She wasn't a saint, but one would be hard pressed to find any major faults.
Kay Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Robert.
She is survived by her heartbroken and adoring husband Jim, her equally brokenhearted daughter, Melissa (Allen), one grandson, Michael all from Florida, a brother Nelson (Pat) of Florida, a brother Terry (Sally) of Ohio, nieces and a nephew, a sister-in-law, Caroline (Paul) of Ohio, and an Honorary grandson, Elijah Savage.
The family of Kay would like to thank Hospice nurse, Danielle, and Hospice Aide, Renee. We would have been lost without your loving care and guidance. A thank you to dear Sheila, a volunteer that bonded with Kay instantly and always brought a smile to her face. Thank you to Dr. J. Harpool and staff for recommending Gentiva Hospice, and a thank you to Dr. Concepcion for recognizing Kay's issues and not taking advantage.
A heartfelt thank you to Reverend Ozzie for your support, compassion, and prayers for Kay. Also for helping Jim and Melissa through this difficult time with your guidance, prayers, and words of wisdom.
When reading obituaries people may scoff at the platitudes that are tossed about, but in all honesty, Kay Ellen was sweet, kind, understanding, wise, funny, and maybe a bit of a dreamer, but all in all she was truly a selfless soul. Before her passing Jim asked her, "My dear, how did you get to be so nice?" Without hesitation she replied, "Well, I guess it's just the people I'm around." THAT sums up Kay.
Services will be held in Kinsman, Ohio at Baumgardner Funeral Home, once Kay has left the care of Lewis Funeral Homes, Florida.
Visiting hours will be Sunday, May 4th between 5:00 and 7:00 in the evening.
A funeral service will happen Monday, May 5th at 1:00 PM.
An informal memorial for our dear Kay will be held in Pace, Florida at a time to be determined.