Kathryn Warnement Zilka

1950 - 2024

Kathryn Warnement Zilka

Kathryn Warnement Zilka died April 23, 2024, at her home in Navarre, FL.

Kay, 74, was the 6th daughter born to Elmer and Helen Warnement in Tiffin, OH, on January 9, 1950. She was followed by a sister and finally the family baby brother, John. Besides her usual duties of ironing, cleaning and washing dishes, she also took care of John. The experience of caring for her baby brother made her an early participant in the sisters' babysitting business. Later on, she worked at her oldest sister's ice cream store.

She attended St. Joseph grade school and Calvert High School in Tiffin. Kay received her Bachelors, Masters and Education Specialist degrees from the University of Toledo. Her entire college career focused on the special education needs of children. She joined the Toledo Public Schools as a special education teacher and in her 30 year career was ultimately promoted to Special Education Coordinator.

She would tell us about the significant mental, physical and family needs of "her kids". Her goal was to resolve these issues and get "her kids" into the mainstream school program. She also assisted her teachers and staff in dealing with the incapacities of the kids. Additionally, Kay monitored the progression of her younger sister in the Toledo School System.

Kay became a golfer for relaxation and also developed a love of sailing. So much so that she eventually became a commodore in a local Sailing Club. She wed Walter in 2007. Kay and Walter became avid RVers after their retirements, traveled throughout the United States and Canada and ultimately purchased their current house in Navarre, FL. Kay continued with her boundless energy and became a member of the Navarre Garden Club and eventually a certified master gardener. She also volunteered at the Butterfly House and served as an election volunteer.

Her unexpected death will be felt by all family members as Kay was the organizer of many great family gatherings.

She is survived by her sisters, Judy (Hugo) Bour, Jane Hartsig, Anne (Tom) Hummer, Alice (Thad) Kosnikowski, Ruth Rahla; brother, John (Sue); and her beloved, dog Simon. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter; her parents; sister, Mary Bell; and her beloved dogs, Teddy and Jack.

A Mass of Christian burial was held at St. Sylvester Catholic Church, Gulf Breeze, FL, on May 8th, at 10:00 am. A recorded live stream of the Mass can be found on St. Sylvester's Website. Interment services followed at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, FL, on May 9th.