Kay Erlenbach Obituary

Kay A. Erlenbach

Nov 12, 1943 - Dec 25, 2025

New London

Kay A. Erlenbach, 82, lifelong resident of New London, died Thursday, December 25, 2025. She was born November 12, 1943, in New London, the daughter of Harold A. and Catherine (Zerby) Erlenbach.

Kay was a 1961 graduate of New London High School; she attended Ohio Wesleyan University, where she obtained her bachelor's degree in education in 1965. Kay pursued her master's degree in education from College of Wooster. She began her teaching career at New London High School, and from there, she finished out her 40-year career teaching American History and Psychology at Sheffield/Sheffield Lake High School.

Kay was a community-minded volunteer; she was a Grove Street Cemetery Board member, was active with American Red Cross New London blood drive and New London Historical Society. In 2010, she was voted Citizen of the Year for New London. When she was not volunteering, Kay enjoyed various crafts, among them knitting and painting, which were her favorites.

Kay is survived by her significant other, Jim Patchett of New London, they have shared 51 years together; her brothers, Dr. Harold (Margaret) Erlenbach of New London and Thomas Erlenbach of Berea; nieces and nephews, Jan (Keith) Walls, Kurt (Susan) Erlenbach, Judd (Lori) Erlenbach, Warren (Carolyne) Erlenbach and Kim Giffi; along with several great nieces and nephews.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents and her sister-in-law, Bertha Erlenbach.

A memorial visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. Monday, January 5, 2026, at Eastman Funeral Home, 200 West Main Street, New London, OH 44851.

Memorial contribu-tions may be directed to Erlenbach Family Scholarship in care of New London Local Schools, 2 Wildcat Drive, New London, OH 44851 or New London Historical Society, 13 East Main Street, New London, OH 44851.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.eastmanfuneralhome.com.