Kay Slesinger Rich

1936 - 2024

URBANA – Kay Slesinger Rich, born as Mary Kathryn Latham, a beacon of inspiration and wisdom, passed away on June 20, 2024 surrounded by the love of her family at Forest Glen Nursing Home. Born to Thomas and Lillian (Smith) Latham in Plain City, Ohio, on May 15, 1936, Kay's life was a tapestry of dedication, love and service.

A graduate of Urbana High School in 1954, Kay's thirst for knowledge led her to Ohio University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts and Psychology. There she also fell in love and married Frank Kendrick. Soon after, her first born child Frank Kendrick Jr. was born. Tragically, they were all in a car accident when Frank Sr. died.

As a young grieving widow and single mother, she always took care of and made her family a priority. Her mother and siblings all moved to Florida where she became director of Girl Scouts in Tampa. When her younger brother John Latham was killed in a car accident in Ohio, they all moved back. Kay decided to get her Master's degree in Social Work at Ohio University. She started substitute teaching at Graham High School where she met her second husband John Slesinger. Her next adventure was off to Macomb, Illinois, where Kay was a director of an 800-resident dormitory in 1963. Later that year, their daughter Kimberly was born. Their family was growing and so was their desire to keep moving on and moved the family to Xenia, Ohio.

During their time in Xenia, Kay became a very successful Realtor and a mother of 3, completing their family when Sheri was born. Kay spent the next 50 years as a broker of her own office, Kay Slesinger Realty, Inc. She was considered a trailblazer for women, being the first female real estate broker in 1969 in Ohio. What drove Kay's success in real estate is truly her ability to help and solve family's needs in finding a home. She always said helping people was her first priority and commissions followed later.

In partnership with her husband, she became a well-known investor in real estate in Xenia, which she has maintained to this day. Kay was a pioneer, leading the way in holistic health long before it became mainstream. Her enthusiasm for Birkenstocks was matched only by her dedication to her career, embodying the spirit of a trailblazing full-time professional woman.

She won many awards as a top producer in real estate locally and in the state. She was President of the Ambassador Club and organized a Junior Ambassador Club. She was involved in many activities including Chamber of Commerce in Xenia and Beavercreek; the Multiple Sclerosis Board; The Urbana University Board and Central State University board. She organized annual Christmas concerts by the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base at Xenia High School and she was astronomical in helping Xenia after the tornado.

In 1990 Kay wrote the book "You're It" with the motto … Believe in yourself, love yourself and be accountable to yourself. Kay started giving speeches throughout the State of Ohio, eventually starting a radio and TV talk show for 2 years 1992-1994.

In 1995 after an incredible 34 years of life together, Kay's husband John died. In 1996 Cunard Cruise Lines invited Kay to come speak as a motivational speaker where she met her 3rd husband, Paul Rich, from Buffalo, N.Y. Paul was an avid traveler and took Kay on the ride of her life by circling the world every winter for all 13 years of their marriage. Kay was widowed for a third time in 2012, after Paul lived to be a remarkable 101. Kay's love and experience was so deep that it led her to make a movie about their deep-rooted love for each other, "My Dream Beside Me."

Kay enjoyed the last 11 years in Florida. She had an incredible life and enjoyed making friends wherever she went.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers John Latham, Ed (Sharon) Latham, Ron Latham and her brother-in-law Dave Drew and her three husbands, Frank Kendrick, John Slesinger and Paul Rich.

Her spirit is carried forward by her children, Frank (Rose) Kendrick, Kimberly (Michael) Fraley, Sheri (Carl) Slesinger-Hall; her grandchildren: Kayci Kendrick, Kelly Kendrick, Katie Kendrick, Amber Fraley (Aaron) Weaver, Megan Fraley (Matt) Boldt, Ashli Slesinger-Hall, Alec Slesinger-Hall, Chase Slesinger-Hall and her siblings Thomas Latham of Indiana, Jeri Drew of Florida and Bill Buroker of Urbana. She is blessed with 8 great-grandchildren, many loving nieces and nephews and a multitude of special caregivers and friends.

The service to honor and celebrate Kay's life will be held at VERNON FUNERAL HOME in Urbana with a viewing on Friday, June 28 from 5-7 p.m and the service on Saturday, June 29 at 10 a.m. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Forest Grove cemetery in Plain City, Ohio, with a reception to be held at the home of her son Frank.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.vernonfh.com.