73, Warwick elementary teacher for 26 years, artist
Kay Dee Garrity-Roth, 73, of Lititz, passed away Monday, Jan. 6, 2014 at Hospice & Community Care, Mount Joy.
Born in Anderson, Ind., Kay was the daughter of the late Virgil and Sarah (Daugherty) Garrity. She was the loving wife of Vincent J. Roth, with whom she celebrated 37 years of marriage.
Kay was an elementary school teacher in the Warwick School District for 26 years, during which time she earned a master’s degree in education. She enjoyed teaching very much, and even though she did not have her own children, hundreds of other children were influenced by her care and grace. Kay savored every moment of life as a teacher, poet, political activist, professional clown, gourmet cook, nature lover and artist.
She was very talented with watercolor, and she painted Ukrainian/Pysanky eggs for which she won honorable mention at the Lancaster County Art Association.
In addition to her husband, Vincent, Kay is survived by a sister: Donna Lee Mahaffey, wife of Robert, of Palmdale, Calif. and their three daughters; and two stepsons: V. Kevin Roth and James W. Roth.
Kay was preceded in death by a stepson: Doug Roth.
A celebration of Kay’s life was held Jan. 13 at the Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, Lititz.
Please omit flowers. A silent auction of Kay’s original art will be held at the funeral home, and proceeds from all winning bids will be donated to the Lancaster County Art Association, 149 Precision Ave., Strasburg, PA 17579.
Contributions may also be made in Kay’s memory to the Milagro House, 669 W. Chestnut St., Lancaster, PA 17603; or to Community Action Program of Lancaster County Domestic Violence Services, P.O. Box 359, Lancaster, PA 17608.
To send the family online condolences, visit snyderfuneralhome.com.