Kathryn "Katty" R. Speigel

Kathryn R. Katty Speigel (nee Blair), passed away peacefully on November 4, 2023 at the age of 101. Katty was born in Portsmouth, Ohio on July 12, 1922 to Margaret Monk Blair and Leroy Blair.

Katty met her beloved husband, Carl (Doc) Speigel, at a dance in Portsmouth, Ohio and it was love at first sight. They were married for 46 years until Docs death in 1985.

Katty was a longtime and admired administrative employee with the Forest Hills School District, serving at Sherwood Elementary School, Wilson Elementary School, and Anderson High School for 27 years. One of her special touches in the school system was that, on a childs birthday, that child would come to the office to see her to receive a birthday pin that could be turned in for a cookie in the cafeteria. When Katty would give the child their pin, she would sing happy birthday to them. It was her way of making every child feel special and loved.

Katty retired from the school system in 1991. On the day of her retirement, almost 600 students were lined up on the hillside outside her office door, holding a huge banner that spelled out We love you Mrs. Speigel and we will miss you. When Katty came outside, all of the students began chanting her name and applauding. She was then presented with the Friend of Children award by the local Parent Teachers Association (PTA). Cherished by all who knew her and worked with her, and especially by the children, Katty was asked for many years when she went out in public after her retirement, arent you Mrs. Speigel from Sherwood? It was a title she held proudly.

Upon retirement, Katty remained active in her community, continuing to work in the Mercy Hospital Anderson volunteer program. She was recognized by the Greater Anderson Township as an honored citizen for her contributions to the community and her years of dedication to the local school district. Katty was also involved in her church, serving as trustee and singing in the choir for more than 30 years.

Katty was active until the final days of her life, enjoying spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and her friends at the New England Club and Mt. Moriah church. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Doc, and her son, Carl Jr. She is survived by her daughter Margie (Bill) Mentz of Concord, California, Dennis (Donna) Speigel of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Carl Jr.s wife Marie of Murphy, North Carolina. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren, Doug Speigel, Jeff Speigel, Christa Dee Falbo, Alex Mentz, Madison Mentz, Melanie Thies, Michelle Bolke, Jamie Speigel, Austin Speigel, and Taylor Speigel, all of whom she lovingly adored. Katty was also blessed with 19 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.

A service to celebrate Kattys life will be held on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at Mt. Moriah United Methodist Church (Chapel), 681 Mt. Moriah Drive in Cincinnati. Visitation will take place at the chapel at 9:00am, with the service to begin at 10am. Burial will follow at the Mt. Moriah Cemetery, followed by a reception at the churchs fellowship hall. T.P. White & Sons Funeral Home is serving the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Judes Hospital.