Katherine H. "Kay" Hetrich

Katherine H. “Kay” Hetrich

Katherine H. “Kay” Hetrich, 79, of Manheim, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at her home on Sunday September 17, 2017. Born in Columbia PA, Kay was the daughter of the late Charles and Dorothy Coleman Haug. She was the loving wife of A. Ronald “Skip” Hetrich through 58 years of marriage.

Kay was dedicated to the idea that all children deserve an enriching education. Over her 38 year career as an elementary school educator, Kay taught not only the subjects included in her curriculum, but also strove to instill in her students the self-confidence, self-respect, and self-reliance that they would need to be successful in life. She brought true compassion and a ready smile to her work, as she helped students with reading disabilities, taught sixth graders at Manheim’s Stiegel Elementary School, and supported their continuing education by serving on the board of the Manheim Central Student Loan Fund.

A constant learner herself, Kay was a passionate reader, student of history, and supporter of the arts. She explored and shared her deep interest in Manheim’s own history through her active service with the Manheim Historical Society, and cultivated an appreciation of Coleman family history in her children and grandchildren. Kay loved spending summers in beautiful Mount Gretna, where she enjoyed music, theater, and lectures while supporting the Chataqua programs there as a volunteer.

Kay was a lifelong resident of Manheim, where she formed close and longstanding bonds with many dear friends, and with the community. She served as the Manheim Central Class of ’56 treasurer, was a president of the Manheim Women’s Club, and volunteered in many civic and private service organizations. Kay was devoted to and deeply loved by her family, for whom she was not only a source of great comfort and joy but also a cherished role model and inspiration.

Surviving Kay, in addition to her husband Skip, are two sons: Mitchell H. husband of Trudy Hetrich of Greenville PA, Mark H. husband of Christine Hetrich of Mount Gretna PA, a daughter, Jennifer H. wife of Michael Kotzen of North Hampton NH, eight grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and a brother, Jere husband of Dana Haug of Manheim. Preceding her in death is a brother, John Leo Haug.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to join Kay’s family and friends at a memorial gathering on Saturday, September 23, from 10 am to 1 pm at the Manheim Railroad Station 210 S Charlotte Street, Manheim.