Kathy Hoops

Kathryn Heyl Grecni Hoops, age 78, of Wadsworth, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 2, 2026, with her devoted husband, Denny Hoops, by her side. Kathy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend whose warmth, energy, and genuine interest in others touched countless lives.
Kathy was born in Wadsworth on June 25, 1947, to William and Mary (Weinsheimer) Heyl, who preceded her in death. She graduated from Wadsworth High School in 1965 and earned her bachelor's degree in education from Kent State University. On June 21, 1969, she married her first love, Roger Grecni, a math teacher at Wadsworth High School, who also preceded her in death. Together they raised their two children, Kristy and Steve, in Wadsworth.
Kathy began her career as a first-grade teacher before dedicating time to raising her family. She later earned her master's degree in outdoor education and returned to the classroom, where she taught kindergarten for Wadsworth City Schools for 23 years. She retired in 2007 after a deeply rewarding career devoted to nurturing young learners. Her commitment to her students extended well beyond the classroom, as she often attended their sporting events and concerts long after they had moved on. In 2015, she was honored with the Educator Emeritus Hall of Fame Award for Wadsworth City Schools.
Kathy's "up-for-anything" attitude and love of being surrounded by others led to a lifetime of involvement in activities and clubs. Early on, she formed lasting friendships through Welcome Wagon and the Wadsworth Jaycees. She was active in bowling and softball leagues, played tennis, and even joined a soccer team. Kathy remained active in several bridge clubs, teaching sororities, and book clubs. She enjoyed watching Ohio State games at neighborhood bonfires while living on Partridge Drive. She had fun performing with the local Footlighters, took tap dancing lessons with a friend later in life, and was always quick to learn the latest line dance at family weddings-while also delighting (and occasionally embarrassing) her children by dancing the funky chicken.
A lifelong resident of Wadsworth, Kathy was deeply committed to her community. A longtime member of First Christian Church in Wadsworth, she taught Sunday School alongside her niece. An avid and knowledgeable gardener, she tended to the church gardens and was a longtime member of the Bud 'n Bloom Garden Club. Kathy also served as a member of the Library Board and the Fair Housing Commission, guided by her belief in leaving things better than she found them and her desire to make a difference.
With summers free since both she and Roger were educators, family road trips became a treasured tradition. Memorable journeys included Chicago, New York City, and Washington, D.C., as well as a 31-day adventure to California that included visiting friends, driving along the coast, and exploring national parks. Along the way, Kathy was always on the lookout for a presidential home nearby that they could tour. She and Roger later celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a trip to Europe and enjoyed an Alaskan cruise featuring their favorite barbershop quartet, The Gas House Gang.
Family was always at the heart of Kathy's life. One of her favorite traditions was the annual week spent with extended family at Francoy's Resort in Marcellus, Michigan, a place her parents had introduced to the family more than 75 years ago. Ever the teacher, Kathy helped her grandnephews with school lessons in the mornings at her cabin, which were made more appealing by the opening of "Kat's Kitchen" for snacks and candy afterward.
Following Roger's death in 2008 and her retirement, Kathy embraced her role as a doting grandmother. She treasured the time with her four grandchildren, Ellie, Levi, Jillian and Xander. She especially enjoyed reading to them, cheering them on at sporting events and performances, and taking them swimming at Aunt Ann's pool. The grandchildren often remarked that it was nearly impossible to go anywhere in Wadsworth without running into someone who knew her, frequently greeted with enthusiastic calls of "Mrs. Grecni!" Her impact as a lifelong resident and beloved teacher was evident everywhere she went.
In 2018, Kathy found love again when she met Denny Hoops, whom she married on January 15, 2022. As a former girls' varsity basketball coach and science teacher, Denny shared her passion for education and people. Together they enjoyed holding hands and talking for hours on their back deck while watching the sunset. They shared a love of travel, taking several cruises, adventures abroad, and wintering at their home in Florida. Wherever they went, they made friends along the way.
In addition to her husband, Denny Hoops, Kathy is survived by her daughter, Kristine (Jay) Alexander of Pittsburgh; her son, Stephen (Lori) Grecni of Wadsworth; her grandchildren, Elise and Jillian Alexander, and Levi and Xander Grecni; her sister, Patricia Cline; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was also embraced by Denny's loving family, including his daughter, Michele (Ken) Rohr of Canal Fulton; his son, Scott Hoops of Navarre; grandchildren Casi, Molly, and Tony (Treva) Rohr, Amber (Chase) Baumgardner; and five great-grandchildren, all of whom she cherished and enjoyed laughing and playing cards with.
Even after her diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, Kathy continued to find beauty in life and was happiest when surrounded by those she loved. Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to her caregivers at The Inn at CoalRidge in Wadsworth and to the many friends who enriched Kathy and Denny's lives over the past year.
Kathy will be remembered for her infectious laugh, her unwavering positivity, and her remarkable ability to see the best in people.
Friends will be received on Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Auble Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home, 174 N. Lyman Street, Wadsworth.
Kathy's "Celebration of Life" will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 12th at First Christian Church, 116 E. Boyer Street, Wadsworth, with Pastor Sarah West officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Wadsworth.
Memorial contributions may be made to Marian's Closet, The Wadsworth Salvation Army or First Christian Church.
Online registry and expressions of condolence may be made at www.aublefuneralhomes.com.