Kay Kern (nee Hierholzer), 76, passed away Saturday, February 11, 2023 peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family.  Born on June 10, 1946 in Celina, OH, she was the daughter of the late John and Katie Hierholzer. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Bill Kern, 3 daughters, Amy Kern (John Mengel) of Mason, Tracy Heinecke (Rob) of Cincinnati and Kari Riegle of Stout. Proud Grandmother of 4 grandchildren Aimee, Donny, Robby and Brighton. 8 siblings Larry (Christy) Hierholzer, Jane (Chuck) Loomis, Mark (Pam) Hierholzer, Becky (Ray) Payne, Pete (Joyce) Hierholzer, Nancy (Doug) Ballinger, Gary Hierholzer, and Connie (Joe) Voss.  One brother-in-law, Bob (Terry) Kern.  Numerous nieces and nephews. Kay attended Mount Saint Joseph College in Cincinnati, OH and obtained her Bachelor of Science and Masters in Elementary Education at Ohio University.  An advocate for Catholic Education, Kay began her long career as a teacher in Marion, OH at St. Mary's Elementary and continued teaching in Portsmouth, OH at Notre Dame Elementary.  She continued to touch the lives of students, families and colleagues as the principal of Notre Dame Elementary for 24 years where she was honored as the Diocese of Columbus Principal of the Year in 1996. Kay was happiest with her family, traveling and soaking in the sun poolside, on the river or at the beach.  She traveled extensively with her husband Bill, family and friends.  A perfect hostess, she loved to entertain and welcomed many into her home over the years.  She was always up for an adventure with her family or her loyal First Friday gang.  Her motto was "get it done" and she lived a wonderful life to the fullest and with no regrets. Visitation to be held at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home, 1417 Offnere Street Portsmouth, OH on Friday (February 17) from 5:00pm-7:00pm.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary's of Annunciation Catholic Church, 515 5 ^th Street Portsmouth, OH on Saturday (February 18) at 11:00am.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Notre Dame Schools or SOMC Hospice .  Special condolences may be made at melcherfuneralhome.com