Kathryn Anne Specht

Kathryn Anne Specht loved spending time with her family but come the end of the evening she would declare it was chair time. So it seems fitting to start her obituary with that phrase. Kathy died August 29, 2023 in Conneaut at age 78 at her home, surrounded by her family. She must have decided it was chair time again.

Kathy was born April 16, 1945 to H. Kent and Alberta Bennett Ericksen. She graduated Rowe High School in 1963 and kept in contact with her classmates throughout her life. She also attended Kent State University, speaking fondly of the journalism classes while she worked on her crosswords.

Kathy worked for a short time at the State Line Truck Stop, where she was first asked out by Richard Specht.  They were married a short 6 months later on July 24, 1965. The ceremony was held at Amboy United Methodist Church where Kathy was a lifetime member, being a part of the Women’s Society, working many turkey dinners and potlucks, and teaching Sunday School for a number of years.

Kathy worked at the former Astatic Corporation making record needles for over 5 years. But her all-time favorite job, besides homemaker and housewife, was working for long-time friends at Harbor Beverage after husband Dick retired. She was fond of saying that that job probably kept her sane after Dick quit working.

She also enjoyed being a member of the West Lakeville Hose Boosters and Women’s Auxiliary at Station 4 Fire Department - helping with perch inners, pizza nights, and catering jobs to help raise money for the volunteer firehall and the community.

She served on the election board as a worker and President for many years, firm in her stance on voting in both local and national elections every time. She was a staunch enforcer of the duty to vote with her kids and grandkids. "There are many in this world who are not afforded the opportunity. Voting is your duty as a citizen of the United States, and you WILL treat it as such."

In her spare time, Kathy enjoyed bowling at King’s Lanes and ABC Lanes with her bowling league.

Her favorite vacations were spent beating family and friends at Scrabble and cards in Canada on Tilden Lake at the family cabin.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Richard H. Specht, and a nephew Rodney Ericksen.

Kathy is survived by her children, Kenna and Russ Coltman, Joel Specht and Jennifer Simpson, Michael and Carleen Specht, grandchildren, Bennett, Elizana, Lily, Ethan, Quin, Emily, Andrea, Nathaniel, and Esta Mae, as well as numerous furkids and furgrandkids, all of Conneaut. She is also survived by two brothers, Ralph and Diana Ericksen of North Kingsville, and Eric and Judy Ericksen, of Hermiston, Oregon.

In following Kathy’s wishes, no calling hours or funeral services will be held. Please make memorial donations to Hospice of Western Reserve, whose staff gracefully eased her passing from this world.

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