Amy Beth Key

She was born December 20, 1963, in Denver, Colorado, and was the daughter of the late Gene and Nancy Smith.

She married her soulmate, Joseph “Todd” Key, on September 17, 1994. Amy moved with her family to Elizabethtown, KY in 1965, where she resided until 1978, attending the Christ Episcopal Church and serving as an acolyte. She later moved with her parents to West Jefferson, NC. While they returned to Elizabethtown, she remained in North Carolina to attend college. Amy obtained her Bachelor of Science degrees in Industrial Relations and Psychology from her much beloved University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She often reminisced on memories with her best friends, Laurie and Tammie, being a member of Alpha Kappa Psi, and attending class with an upcoming basketball player, Michael Jordan.

In 1986, Amy returned home to Elizabethtown to begin a 38-year work career. She began her career at Hardin Memorial Hospital in human resources. In 1987, she was hired as an Assistant Human Resource Manager at Ambrake Corporation. Amy was instrumental in recruiting exemplary employees, one of whom would be her future husband. She was a mentor, representative, and friend to all, fostering an inclusive atmosphere where every employee felt appreciated.

Following her tenure at Ambrake, Amy accepted a management position at Mouser Cabinetry, where she established 401(k) retirement plans and a human resources department.

At 35-years-old, Amy returned to school, pursuing her Bachelor and Master degrees in Elementary Education at Western Kentucky University. She dedicated the next 24 years to teaching at Morningside Elementary School, where she enriched the minds of thousands of students.

Amy achieved countless accomplishments in her life, from National Board certifications to human resource management awards, although she only ever boasted about her children’s successes.

Her favorite moments in life were spent with family and friends, cheering on the UNC Tar Heels, playing Wordle with Todd, Bunco night with her girlfriends, canoeing down New River, hiking the Rocky Mountains, vacationing at the beach, and tanning at the Elizabethtown Country Club.

Amy was preceded in death by parents, Gene and Nancy Smith; grandparents, Bertha and William Baxter; Uncle, Bob Baxter; Great-Aunt, Beryl Towns.

Amy is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Joseph “Todd” Key; 2 children, whom she was beyond proud of, son, Colby Key, and daughter, Grace Key; her cherished cat, Boris; 4 siblings, David (Darla) Smith, Mike (Markie) Smith, Susie (Phil) Donahue, and Larry (Kim) Smith; 8 nieces and nephews, Jeremy (Rebecca) Smith, Jenny (Greg) Price, Kelly (Brian) Emerine, Sarah (Mark) Richardson, Ryan (Taylor) Donahue, Matt Smith, Eric (Madhu) Smith, and Kasey (Aaron) Cossitt; 14 great-nieces and nephews, Aidan, Adeline, and Annelise Aldridge, Ellanna Smith and Allison Sorenson, Ava and Charlotte Emerine, Carlee and Sam Smith, Anne-Vencill and Livy Clark Donahue, Owen and Ella Richardson and Hazel Cossitt.

Amy is also survived by her husband’s family: parents-in-law Herb and Wanda Key; brother-in-law Marcus (Jennifer) Key and sister-in-law Sarah Condiff; 6 nieces and nephews, Chaz and Callie Condiff, and Lilly, Houston, Lydia, and Ruby Key.

Amy was the perfect embodiment of virtue. She adored every day of her life and will eternally be missed by the family she created and sustained.

The memorial service is held at 12pm, Monday, July 14, at First Presbyterian Church, 1016 Pear Orchard Road in Elizabethtown.

Visitation is from 10am until the time of service on Monday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, in hopes of one day discovering a cure for people like Amy.