Kay Newlun

Kay Newlun, 85, of Chillicothe, passed peacefully from this life on Thursday afternoon, April 2, 2026, following a yearlong battle with colon cancer.

She was born March 14, 1941, in Chillicothe, daughter of Joseph Reichelderfer and Lillis (Stout) Pruitt. On November 18, 1962, she married the love of her life, Don R. Newlun, and together they shared over 54 wonderful years of marriage before his passing on February 19, 2017.

She is survived by her beloved daughters, Dawn (Richard) Sorensen, and Debbie (Steve) Newman. She was known as Mimi to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Emily (Ron) Levy (Kennedy and Nolan), Tyler (Brook Fortman) Allen, Dylan Allen, Tayler (Trevor) Vranicar (Neil and Joanna “JoJo”). Also surviving are her nephews, Darrell, David, and Danny Newlun; sister-in-law Norma Jean Newlun; special close friends, Molly Davis, Debbie Park, Cindy Scott, Linda Cook, and Nancy Tanner; her favorite “Business Meeting” partners, Janice Pinkerton, Joyce & Dawn Ater, and Peggy Blevins; as well as numerous other extended family members and friends she cared so deeply about. In addition to her beloved husband Don, she was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Reichelderfer, her mother and stepfather, Lillis (Avery) Pruitt; her sister, Carolyn Sue Reichelderfer; her sister-in-law Kay Ann Carey and close friends, Pat Lowery and Patty Dixon.

Kay was a graduate of Chillicothe High School, class of 1959. After graduation from Bliss Business College, she worked at the Union Department Store and later enjoyed 19 years at Hart’s where she made lifelong friends. She also worked 12 years at the OB/GYN practices at Adena in Medical Records. She never wanted to miss her brunch outings with her classmates and looked forward to them each month at Bob Evans. She also enjoyed getting to attend services at Brookside Church with her daughters when her health would allow. Kay was a kind, deeply caring person who loved her family fiercely. She always wanted to make sure they were taken care of. Over the last several years she looked forward to her trips to Folly Beach with family. These were special times for everyone.

Friends may join the family for visitation on Sunday April 12, 2026 at Haller’s Funeral Home from 11:00am until 1:00pm. A funeral service will follow the visitation with Wally Burden officiating. A Celebration of Life will be held at Fire and Stone Venue on Water Street, Chillicothe, from 2:30-5:00pm.

Kay will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband at Concord Cemetery in Lattaville on Monday, April 13, 2026 with her family by her side.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Ross County Humane Society or to Cats & Company.