Leading a life not defined by age

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Kay Oughterson, of Fayette County, was recently inducted into the Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame.

For more than 40 years, central Ohio seniors who show an energy and passion for helping others have been honored for their work at the Central Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. At the 41st-annual ceremony on May 18 at the Martin Janis Center in Columbus, that tradition continued when 14 new members were inducted for their efforts in bettering their community and enriching the lives of others.

This distinguished group of seniors was recognized by the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging for helping communities stay healthy, inclusive, safe and compassionate, while leading central Ohio toward a brighter future.

The nomination for Oughterson, made by Lorre Black, stated: Kay Oughterson is a woman with a zeal for life. She has a caring heart and an active faith, which have enabled her to give so selflessly to others.

After working for 32 years at Miami Trace High School as an English teacher, Kay joined the staff at Carnegie Public Library 15 years ago and continues to make wonderful contributions to the children of Fayette County.

Kay is a lifelong member of the New Holland United Methodist Church and a member of United Methodist Women. As a certified lay speaker for the United Methodist Church, she conducts church services when pastors are on vacation. Each year, she organizes and conducts the Easter Sunrise Service and presents the Christmas and the Mother’s Day programs for a local church.

Her attributes are many, but her commitment to her church and to organizations in her community is truly noteworthy. Kay is frequently called upon to deliver sermons in congregations throughout the county and asked to provide inspirational programs to many civic organizations. As a gifted writer and speaker, she has the rare ability to not only inform and inspire, but to entertain audiences as well.

When called upon to assist, Kay is always available, whether it’s to emcee a program, deliver a eulogy, or organize an event. With her exceptional organizational skills, she is the first person everyone calls to “get something done.” She has served or is currently serving in numerous community organizations.

Kay completed two terms on the board of the Fayette County Red Cross and she was an emcee for the Red Cross “Hometown Heroes” awards breakfast for two years. Currently, she is serving her second five-year term on the Fayette Metropolitan Housing Authority board.

As a volunteer for Fayette County United Way Make-A-Difference Day, she read to first graders at Miami Trace Elementary School, the school where she also volunteered as a teacher’s aide for three years.

A longtime member of the Washington Kiwanis Club, she is chairman of the community services committee. Since her retirement, she has served not only as club president but also Lieutenant Governor of Kiwanis Division 10-W of the Ohio District, a job which required overseeing 11 clubs.

Her other memberships include: The Order of the Eastern Star (served as State Officer Grand Esther); Daughters of the American Revolution; Fayette County Historical Society; and Fayette County Hospice.

As a member of Alpha Delta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (a professional teachers’ sorority), she has served on numerous committees and currently acts as library liaison of the DKG book club.

Above all, Kay is filled with extraordinary energy and enthusiasm. People immediately respond to her magnetic personality, and her great wit and humor have made her a hometown favorite.

According to the Hall of Fame, of more than 218,000 seniors living in central Ohio, those selected individuals represent older Ohioans who set an example by leading lives not defined by age. Their inspiring stories demonstrate lifelong commitments to causes, organizations and their communities. All winners are 60 years of age or older.

Kay Oughterson
http://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2016/05/web1_KayOughterson.jpgKay Oughterson
Oughterson inducted into Senior Citizens HOF

By Ryan Carter

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Reach Ryan Carter at 740-313-0352 or on Twitter @rywica

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