Kathryn Abbuhl

Kathryn “Kaye” Eileen Abbuhl, 89, of Dublin, O., formerly of New Philadelphia, died Thursday, February 9, 2006, in Dublin.Kaye was born in New Philadelphia, Ohio, on December 8, 1916. She was the daughter of the late Raymond and Corrine ( Crites ) Rolli, the middle child between older brother, Raymond and younger sister, Wanda. Kaye worked in her father’s restaurant growing up, often working as the cashier. She graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1934 and then attended Wittenberg University where she studied accounting and affiliated with the Alpha Xi Delta sorority. Kay completed her business training at Canton Actual Business School.In high school she had known a handsome classmate, David Abbuhl, but never dated him. When she ran in to him again as a student at Canton Actual, they began to date. The courtship continued while Kaye worked in Canton and Dave worked in Detroit. On one visit to see her, they were involved in an automobile accident that was nearly fatal for Kaye, who was in coma for some time and was forced to give up her job. Dave and Kaye married in 1938. Their only child, Linda, was born in 1940.For the first ten years of their marriage, they lived on Oak Street in New Philadelphia until Dave built a home for them on Third Street. Dave began a career in banking, eventually becoming president of what is now National City Bank. Kaye worked as a homemaker and was active in community activities with the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, the New Philadelphia Women’s Club, and the Hospital Auxiliary. Kaye was one of the most loyal and dedicated Twig members, serving as the Auxiliary treasurer, chairperson, and accountant for years. Kaye enjoyed golf and sewing. She had moved to Friendship Village in Dublin in 1999 to be closer to her family.Kaye’s daughter Linda died in a plane crash in 1991. She is survived by three grandchildren, Tracy Thomas, Tim Thomas, and Freddie B. Thomas. Tracy is married to Steve Funk and is a law professor at the University of Akron. Tracy has two children, Peter (7) and Caroline (4 ½ ). Tim, a former member of the Cleveland Indians minor league team, is a teacher and coach in Pickerington, Ohio. He is married to Pam Thomas, and they have two children, Katie (5) and Kara (2 ½ ). Freddie is a special education teacher in Grove City Schools, and was recently married to Kristy Jefferies. Kaye’s son-in-law, Dr. Fred Thomas, and his wife Teri Thomas have remained close to her, and Teri was her best friend.Visitation will be Monday, February 13 from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 202 East High Ave. New Philadelphia. Services will follow visitation at 11 a.m. in the church, with the Rev. Michael Walters officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia.Memorial contributions honoring Kaye’s life may be made to, The Linda Thomas Scholarship Fund at the Ohio State University (#409699); OSU, Gift Processing Office, 148 West Lane Ave, Columbus, OH 43221