Kay Pennington Irwin

Kay Pennington Irwin, age 74, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Kobacker House. Kay was born on February 24, 1951, in Ross County, Ohio, to Russell and Flora Pennington. Kay devoted her professional life to administrative work, serving for 25 years with Ohio Hospital Insurance Company and an additional 15 years with Ohio State Medical Association. Outside of work, she found great joy in crocheting shawls and blankets with her yarn club, which donated their creations to Lifeline of Ohio for survivors of tissue transplants. Her generous spirit extended far beyond her hobbies, as she faithfully supported several charitable organizations through monthly donations. Affectionately known as “Ma” to her grandchildren, Kay cherished time spent with her family and especially loved creating memories with her grandbabies.

Kay was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Irwin; and her siblings, David Pennington, Rea Rankin, and Janice (Joseph) Anderson. She is survived by her children, Susan (James) Gordon; Sara Stoll; and James Eric (Jacqueline) Stoll; her grandchildren, Brenden and Lauren Gordon; James Oliver Stoll; and a much-anticipated grandchild on the way; in-laws, Carolyn Pennington and Lloyd Rankin; many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Advantage Funeral and Cremation Services by Schoedinger Hilltop, 3030 W. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43204, where a funeral service will follow at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Lifeline of Ohio, American Heart Association, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, or a charity of your choice.