Kaye Louise Najmulski

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kaye L. Najmulski, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend, who peacefully left us on Saturday, December 7th, at the age of 83. The grief of our loss may be with us for a long time, but the joy of our memories will stay forever.

Born on November 12, 1941, in Kent, OH, Kaye was the daughter of Daniel W. Russell and Ruth Mildred Blamble. She grew up on a farm in Newcomerstown, OH with six brothers, two sisters, and one bathroom.

Daughter, sister, wife, sister in-law, aunt, mother, and grandmother were all very important roles to Kaye. She was a constant cheerleader and supporter. Wanted the world for her children. Didn't realize she gave us much more. Relentless giving of her time, her care, her celebration of our successes, her assistance in fixing our failures, and her worry about everything. She was always there to support regardless of our youthful and sometimes not so youthful ungratefulness. Her love never stopped. Her cheerleading never stopped. Her giving of her time never stopped. Her worry never stopped - she even worried about worrying.

Love for her husband Leonard was a constant that grew and evolved over time, shaped by shared experiences, mutual respect, and a commitment to each other. Len remained the love of her life throughout their 56 years of marriage from 1960 until Len's passing in 2016. They met when Kaye was on a summer-break trip to California to visit a friend. Kaye's friend introduced her and after three short months they eloped to Las Vegas Nevada. It was the greatest gamble she ever made. They loved to dance and their love of dancing together is a fantastic metaphor for their marriage. Always close and in rhythm.

A welcoming and caring hostess who truly enjoyed opening her home freely to many. Kept an immaculate house All people were welcome at any time, you just needed to make sure you put your glass on a coaster.

Kaye found immense joy in music and was thrilled that she influenced all her children to share her passion. She was a natural musician that played the piano (both reading music and playing by ear). Loved to sing but was a much better piano player who cherished teaching her kids and grandkids simple piano songs. A vast variety of music played in her home often. She was a fangirl to many musicians 50-years before the term ever emerged. Live music was a huge part of her life regardless of the genre. If it was live, Kaye was there with an enthusiastic smile and a tap of her foot.

Being an avid reader helped make her a talented editor as well as a wicked Scrabble player. She tried to spread her pleasure in reading to her children but she was so good at bringing Mark Twain, Joel Handler Harris, and other celebrated authors stories to life that her children were often more interested in having her read to them rather than reading for themselves. Words, their meanings, the English language, and good writing were significant to her existence.

Traveled all over the globe, always ready for a new adventure. Of all the places she experienced, New York City held a special magical place in her heart. The energy, the excitement, the art, the culture, the chaos, the food, the theatre, the museums, the history, and the diversity all just mesmerized her.

Graduated from Newcomerstown High School in 1959. Went to Kent State University before meeting her husband Leonard the summer after her freshman year. After raising her family, Kaye later dedicated herself to earn her Bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University in 1986, followed by a rewarding 20-year career in adult education. Prior to her career in adult education, Kaye worked in many other roles, starting at the age of 10, such as at the family dairy, waitress, bookstore owner, and bank-teller.

She often put the needs of others before her own, deeply involving herself in her community; volunteering with innumerable school functions; ushering at the Ohio Theatre, RKO Palace, and The Southern Theatre; Meals on Wheels; the Salvation Army; and a myriad of church events.

Her involvement with the church as well as her faith in God were especially important to Kaye. A member of Columbia Heights United Methodist Church (Lincoln Village), Trinity United Methodist Church (Grove City), and The Church of the Messiah (Westerville) when she lived in each community. She was a spiritual person who had an unwavering relationship with God. In times of trouble or worry, she would say "let go and let God". If you were at a crossroads in your life, Kaye would suggest the increase, decrease prayer. Asking God to increase your feelings one way and decrease them the way not meant for you. Kaye was on a spiritual journey her entire adult life; studying the bible; reading books about the bible, religion, and god; attending bible studies; and participating in religious work-groups/retreats. Embracing the journey as well as becoming lifelong friends with several of the people she met along the way.

Kaye was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel W. Russell and Ruth Mildred Blamble Russell; her husband, Leonard J. Najmulski; and her brother, Daniel Russell. She is survived by her children, Sheryl Najmulski, Keith Najmulski, and John (Kate) Najmulski; her grandchildren, Grace Najmulski, Lily Najmulski, Caitlin Najmulski, and Anna Najmulski; and her siblings, Sally Russell, Bill Russell, (Andi Russell sister in-law), Steve (Pam) Russell, Jim (Linda) Russell, Paul (Elizabeth) Russell, Beth (Kent-deceased) Sundquist, and Lee (Lynn) Russell, along with extended family and many dear friends.

A memorial service to celebrate Kaye's life will be held at The Church of the Messiah, 51 North State Street, Westerville, OH 43081, on Saturday - January 4, 2025, with visitation at 9 am and the funeral service beginning at 10 am. Family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate Kaye's life, share memories, and honor her legacy. Kaye will be laid to rest next to Leonard at the Resurrection Cemetery, 9571 N High St, Lewis Center, OH 43035.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to The Church of the Messiah United Methodist Church in Westerville, OH (www.messiahumc.net) or the United Methodist Church For All People (www.4allpeople.org) in Kaye's memory.

Though she is no longer with us in body, Kaye's love, spirit, tenacity, wit, sense of fairness, and unwavering kindness will continue to guide and comfort us. Her memory will forever live on in the countless lives she touched. She lived a life that truly mattered to many. One day we will remember how lucky we were to have known her love, with wonder, not grief.