LUCAS: Kay Zgela loved the D.L. Moody quote that states, “Someday you will read in the papers that I am dead. Don’t you believe a word of it! At that moment I shall be more alive than I am now.” And so today, her family is comforted that Kay’s faith is now sight, she is well with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:7.
Kay Ann Zgela, age 65, of Mansfield passed into the arms of Jesus, her Lord, Savior and Friend, after a long battle with breast cancer.
She was born August 18, 1956 in Mansfield, to Forrest and Arlene (Bockoven) Spellman and graduated from Clear Fork High School in 1974. She completed her bachelors in education from The Ohio State University and worked as a Physical Education Teacher. She left the workforce to raise her family and provide home school for her girls, but enjoyed subbing from time to time. Kay also worked at Der Dutchman as a banquet server, where she really enjoyed her coworkers and customers.
A member of Newville Church, she was active in the Bible study group and enjoyed singing, even up until just a month ago. Described as a “Bible technician” she knew the Good Book backward and forward as she spent hours on the front porch studying her Bible.
A wonderful cook, Kay delighted in making favorites for her family. As a genuine people person, Kay loved visiting with friends and family and met with the “Grandma group” at Panera regularly.
Strong in her faith, when Kay was diagnosed with breast cancer 2001, she gave her worries to God. He granted her 20 more precious years with her husband, family and friends. She treasured watching her two daughters marry men she adored, and being “Baba” to 9 beloved grandchildren.
Surviving is her husband Dan Zgela; their two daughters Katrina and Mose Slabaugh of Shelby, Alana and Nathaniel Maglott of Mansfield; nine grandchildren Matthew, Annaliese, Titus, Caleb, Elliana, Gabriel, Madelyn, Makenzie, and Logan; surrogate daughter Megan and Chris Brillhart of St. Augustine, FL; her siblings Linda and Al Oakes of Mexico, her “twin” David and Pam Spellman of Riceville, TN; and Connie and Bob Brandt of Mansfield along with nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews, and extended family.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents.
Friends may call Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021 from 10 am to 11 am in Little Washington Congregational Church where the funeral service will follow at 11 am. Family friend Dennis Eggerton will officiate and burial will follow on Maglott Family Farm on Washington South Road.
Contributions in her memory may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio or Newville Church.
The Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Homes is serving the family and encourage condolences at: https://www.snyderfuneralhomes.com/obituary/kay-zgela/
