Katherine "Kay" Falknor Kegerreis

Katherine Falknor Kegerreis, age 103, passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2024. Born in her parents’ home on April 12, 1921 to the late Howard and Esther (Wenger) Falknor, Kay grew up in North Dayton before moving to Eaton and was Co-Valedictorian of the Eaton High School Class of 1939. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1943 from The Ohio State University, where she was a member of Tri Delta sorority and met her husband, Robert (Bob). Kay and Bob were married in October 1943 at the Tri Delta House on campus, but put married life on hold for nearly two years while Bob served in WWII. They eventually welcomed three children and enjoyed 67 years of marriage before Bob’s passing in 2010.

As a devoted wife and mother, Kay enthusiastically supported her family in all their endeavors. She shared Bob’s love of travel and served as copilot on frequent flights in his single-engine plane, with which they had many adventures (some planned and some not). Together they also took many trips across the country and overseas, including to China, Russia, and Japan.

Over the years Kay enjoyed volunteering with various organizations including the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Kettering Hospital, Planned Parenthood, Wright State University, and the Suicide and Crisis Hotline. She worked with hearing impaired children, taught Sunday school at her local church, and held classes in drawing and painting. Kay possessed a lifelong passion for the arts and was a talented painter in her own right. She was a committed supporter of the arts in the Dayton community, including the Dayton Art Institute, Muse Machine, Victoria Theatre, Schuster Performing Arts Center, and Wright State University. Her children are grateful to her for sharing her love of the arts with them. 

Kay endeared herself to those who knew her with her quick wit, gentle humor, and no-nonsense manner. Compassion for others was something she grew up with and never lost, always putting her own needs last. Although she lived with MS for 70 years, Kay was fiercely independent, and took every new challenge and setback to her health in stride, never giving up or losing her sense of humor. Her greatest love was for her family, and they will dearly miss her. 

Kay was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; daughter, Merry Lynn, and sister, Marjorie Corbin. She leaves behind her daughter, Melissa Kegerreis (Bill Cass) of Dayton; son, Duncan (Sue) Kegerreis of London, England; grandson, Jacob Kegerreis of Mountain View, CA; and granddaughter, Sarah Kegerreis of Edinburgh, Scotland, along with several loving nieces and nephews and their families. The family is grateful for the loving care provided by caregivers Sheila, Claire, and especially Alex who worked seven days a week to give Kay a better quality of life. We also express our appreciation to her CNP Phyllis and nurse Julie for providing excellent medical care over many years, as well as Hospice of Dayton. 

A Celebration of Kay’s life will be held at 11:30 AM on January 2nd at Christ United Methodist Church in Kettering, OH. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Muse Machine or Dayton Art Institute in Kay’s honor.