Koneta D. "Kay" Schneider (Abe)

SCHNEIDER (Abe), Koneta D. “Kay”, age 96, of Kettering, OH, passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2023. She was born at home on June 29, 1927, in her beloved hometown of Dayton, OH.

Kay attended Fairview High School and Miami University where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education. It was during her time at Miami that she met the love of her life, Max Schneider, and they became “Miami Mergers” on June 9, 1951. 

Kay's greatest joy in life was creating a warm and loving home for her family.   As an educator at heart and a dedicated homemaker, she delighted in supporting her four children and ensuring their happiness and success. She attended countless school activities, sporting events, and Crestwood Swimming Pool, always being “that mom” willing to taxi her children and friends to any and all events. Her unwavering love and support provided a strong foundation for her family’s success. Her interests included being an avid reader, and she also enjoyed sewing in her spare time for many years.

Kay and Max became cherished members of Fairmont Presbyterian Church where they shared their faith for over six decades. She actively participated in various church activities including the choir and handbell choir.

Kay's warmth and kindness extended beyond her immediate family and church community. She devoted her time to being a volunteer at Kettering Hospital for many years in various capacities. Additionally, she worked at DeClark's Card and Gift Shop at Town and Country for many years.

Traveling the world with Max was a shared passion that brought Kay many great memories together. They embarked on remarkable global adventures, from paragliding in New Zealand to marveling at the breathtaking glaciers of Alaska. However, their annual escape to Callaway Gardens with the family and the Gulf Coast of Florida as snowbirds held a special place in their hearts.

Above all, Kay will be fondly remembered for her infectious smile and cheerful disposition. Her sweet and caring personality brightened the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing her and left an unforgettable mark upon their hearts.

Kay is preceded in death by her loving husband of 71 years, Max Schneider; parents, Edwin and Olive Abe; and siblings, Kenneth Abe, Diana (Abe) Horrell, and Jack Abe.

She is survived by her four children and their spouses: Nancy Bertling (Mike), James Schneider (Cathy), Patricia Kinzig, and Thomas Schneider (Wanda); eight grandchildren: Carey Bertling Kreitzer, Daniel Bertling, Douglas Bertling, Keeley Schneider, Morgan Schneider, Kyle Kinzig, Tyler Kinzig (Alyssa), and Kelli Kinzig; and four great-grandchildren: Tate Kreitzer, Ella Kreitzer, Grayson Kinzig, and Hunter Kinzig; and other extended family and friends. 

Kay’s family would like to thank the staff and friends at One Lincoln Park for all of the care and friendship they provided to her in her later years. Kay and her family also greatly appreciated the special care she received at Miami Valley South, Bethany Rehab, and the Carlyle House in the final six weeks of her life.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 13, 2024, from 10-11:00 AM, with a memorial service immediately following at Fairmont Presbyterian Church, 3705 Far Hills Avenue, Kettering, with Rev. Kelley Shin officiating. A luncheon reception will be provided immediately afterwards at the church. For those unable to attend in person a livestream will be available to view from Routsong Funeral Home’s channel on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWygTdBBcK4

In lieu of flowers, friends may make memorial contributions to Fairmont Presbyterian Church at http://www.fairmontchurch.org/, or to the Miami University Foundation for the Max and Koneta Schneider ‘50 Scholarship Fund at  https://www.miamialum.org/SchneiderScholarship.