Kay H. Culbertson

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Kay Culbertson

Kay H. Culbertson, age 77, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 2, 2026, at The Ohio State University Medical Center.

She was born on November 18, 1948, in Crestline, Ohio, the daughter of Harlan and Goldie (Ogi) Thompson. Kay was a 1967 graduate of Mount Vernon High School.

Kay began her career with The Mount Vernon News in 1973 as the first woman in the state of Ohio to be employed in a press room as a press operator. Following the unexpected death of her husband, William Culbertson, in 1992, she assumed the role of publisher- a position she held with dedication and pride until her retirement in 2020. Throughout her years as publisher, Kay was deeply committed to serving the residents of Knox County and took great pride in providing a trusted, community-centered publication.Kay organized the Mount Vernon Christmas Parade from 1992 to 2019. She loved the event and looked forward to bringing joy to families on this special day each year.She also helped organization the Knox County Bicentennial parade. Kay was an early recipient of the Walter Ruding Award. She was a former longtime member of both the Ohio Newspaper Association and the National Newspaper Association.

She was a member of the Lucy Knox Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR). Kay was also an avid fan of Johnny Mathis and delighted in seeing him perform live more than 30 times over the years.

Above all else, Kay’s greatest joy was her family. She deeply loved her children and grandchildren, and there were few days when they were not together, sharing laughter and enjoying life as a close-knit family. Those moments of togetherness meant everything to her and will be cherished by all who knew her.

Kay will be remembered for her dedication to her community, her love of music, and- most importantly- her unwavering devotion to her family.

She is survived by her children, Michelle Hartman of Mount Vernon, and Andy Weber of Howard, two twin grandchildren, William (Emma Seibert) Hartman and Christoper (Mary Harris) Hartman, two sisters, Karen Jones and Kathleen Palazzolo, and special niece and nephew Tracy and Manish Jain of Glasgow, Scotland.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband William Culbertson (1992) and a daughter, Aubrey (1988).

The family will host a Celebration of Life service at a later date. The Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home of Mount Vernon is honored to serve the family of Kay H. Culbertson.

Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Knox County Animal Shelter or Human Society of Knox County.

To share a memory or leave a condolence, visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

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