Kathleen Barth Ortlund

Born in New York City, she was the daughter of the late Mary and Frank Barth and had the opportunity to reside in Austria and the Canal Zone during her father’s tours of duty. Kathy spent most of her childhood in Columbia, SC planting deep roots in the community and developing a large group of dear friends. Kathy met her husband, Jeff, while working in Personnel Actions at Ft. Jackson where he was stationed. Later living in the Midwest for four years they returned to Columbia to raise their two children, Eric and Douglas.

Kathy graduated in 1968 from Cardinal Newman High School and worked as an accountant before earning both undergraduate and master’s degrees in education from the University of South Carolina.

After a long career in education both as a teacher at St. Joseph’s and Meadowfield Elementary Schools and later as a science and math test coordinator with the SC State Department of Education, she retired in 2014.

Kathy loved to travel both throughout the States and overseas with family and friends. She enjoyed taking her therapy dog, Berr, an Irish Wolfhound for visits to local hospitals. Kathy was an avid tennis and pickleball player taking part in many tournaments. She participated in other outdoors activities such as kayaking, hiking and gardening.

Kathy is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Jeffrey Ortlund, children Eric (Holly) Ortlund, Doug (Carly) Ortlund, grandchildren Kaegan, Avery, Tait, Knox and Zoey, siblings Mary (Tom) Jones, Larry (Gwen) Barth, Jane (Harry) Blackmon and Robert (Donna) Barth and numerous nieces and nephews.

The Memorial Service will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a reception after the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to www.therapydogs.com or The Irish Wolfhound Foundation at www.iwfoundation.org.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.