Kay A. Erlenbach

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

Kay was a 1961 graduate of New London High School; she went on to Ohio Wesleyan University where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in education in 1965. Kay pursued her Master’s Degree in Education from the 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 with Sheffield/Sheffield Lake High School.

Kay was a community minded volunteer, she served on the Grove Street Cemetery Board, was active with the American Red Cross New London blood drive and the New London Historical Society. In 2010 she was voted Citizen of the Year for New London. When she was not volunteering, Kay enjoyed doing various crafts, of which knitting and painting 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 held on Monday, January 5, 2026 from 2-4 p.m. at the Eastman Funeral Home, 200 West Main Street, New London, OH 44851. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Erlenbach Family Scholarship in care of New London Local Schools, 2 Wildcat Drive, New London, OH 44851 or to the New London Historical Society, 13 East Main Street, New London, OH 44851. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting, www.eastmanfunearlhome.com.