Kathleen Ann "Kay" Pavelka, age 89 of Celina, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 9, 2024 at Mercer County Community Hospital in Coldwater.

She was born August 25, 1935 in Springfield to the late Bernard and Rose (Nigh) Krupp. Kay married Don Pavelka on January 29, 1955 and he preceded her in death on November 10, 2021.

She was also preceded in death by her siblings Bernard "Sonny" Krupp, Francis "Tyke" Krupp, and Rosemary Shufeldt.

Kay leaves behind to cherish and preserve her memory twelve children: Dave Pavelka (Christine) of Celina, Cindy Callahan of Centerville, Jeanette Tekesky (Robert) of Valley City, Greg Pavelka of Huntsville, AL, Ray Pavelka (Dawnna) of Gaylord, MI, Richard Pavelka (Cindy Jo) of Dayton, Libby LoPresti (Jim) of Washington Township, Ron Pavelka (Laura) of Englewood, Carolyn Mazzone (Pat) of Beavercreek, Mary Jo Fryman (David) of Englewood, Dan Pavelka (Terri Lynn) of Union, and Nick Pavelka (Tonya) of Maria Stein; 30 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren (and one on the way). She will also be missed by her extended family and her many friends at Bass Landing.

They say grief is love with nowhere to go, and Kay had a family full of love for her. She had a pure spirit and unwavering faith. The only time she was ever remotely mean to anything was when she kicked cancer's butt. She never missed a day of church and loved her wine, boxed or bottled - she didn't discriminate. She had a quick wit that she generously passed down to her children and grandchildren. She was supportive of everyone in her family and their many accomplishments, but to put it more bluntly, she was just PROUD.

She was proud of her big, glorious family that always seemed to get bigger, and she relished that. People always use the saying that someone they loved "lit up a room" but Kay truly did and anyone who had the pleasure to ever be in her presence would know that. When you were with her you felt like you were in the presence of royalty, because that's just who she was - a literal Queen!

A memorial Mass will be held 10:30AM Monday, September 23, 2024 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Montezuma. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to St. Rita Medical Center in Lima, Mercer County Community Hospital, or the Gardens at St. Henry Assisted Living for the care and compassion they've shown.

Arrangements entrusted to Fisher-Cheney Funeral Home, Troy.     

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.fishercheneyfuneralhome.com.