Kay Stelling

Kay Stelling lived a life defined by courage, creativity, generosity, and an unwavering passion for helping others succeed. Whether she was being a Wife and Mom, reporting the news, mentoring entrepreneurs, or simply encouraging a friend, Kay had a remarkable gift for making every person she met feel valued. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched.

Kay Stelling, 76, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2026, following a courageous battle after a sudden heart attack. She was held in the hearts of her family and many friends.

She was born on March 30, 1950, in Frankfort, Kentucky, to Marvin Arnold and Norma Parsons Arnold. She married the love of her life, Bert Stelling, on December 30, 1990, and together they shared 36 wonderful years of marriage, building a life filled with unconditional love, laughter, friendship, and adventure.

Kay enjoyed an extraordinary career that spanned broadcasting, journalism, advertising, marketing, and business development. Early in her career she worked in radio and television as a DJ, weather broadcaster, investigative reporter, news manager, and sales leader. Her fearless spirit took her wherever the story was unfolding. She reported from Miami during the Mariel Boatlift, experienced the dangers of the Miami riots when her news vehicle was overturned and burned, and became the first television reporter on the scene following the eruption of Mount St. Helens after arranging for a crop-dusting pilot to fly her over the devastation to film.

As her career evolved, Kay became a respected leader in advertising and marketing. She served as General Sales Manager at Clear Channel Radio (WFLF), where many colleagues fondly remember that she gave them their first opportunity to succeed. She also held leadership positions with Cox Interactive Media, helping pioneer website development and online marketing during the early years of the internet.

At Universal Orlando Resort, Kay played an instrumental role during the exciting launch of Islands of Adventure as Director of Strategic Alliance Marketing. She created innovative partnerships and promotional campaigns that helped introduce the new park to millions of visitors and contributed to its remarkable success.

Later, Kay founded Genius Advertising & Marketing, where she combined decades of experience with her genuine passion for helping businesses grow. She was never happier than when she was connecting people, solving marketing challenges, and celebrating the success of her clients.

Kay's influence extended far beyond her own career. As a respected Director with BNI (Business Network International), she found a second family and devoted herself wholeheartedly to helping its members succeed. Known as a master networker, mentor, and encourager, Kay believed that success was meant to be shared. She generously gave her time, wisdom, and boundless energy to supporting fellow members, helping countless entrepreneurs build thriving businesses, meaningful connections, and lasting confidence. Many of her dearest friendships were formed through BNI, and the heartfelt tributes from members and colleagues tell the story of a woman who changed lives simply by believing in people before they believed in themselves.

Outside of work, Kay and Bert loved spending time ballroom dancing together, creating wonderful memories on the dance floor. She valued her time with her son Nic and embraced his lovely Nicole. She is smiling down from Heaven on their recent Marriage. Kay really looked forward each year to cruising with her beloved Zeta Tau Alpha sorority sisters, cherishing the lifelong friendships, laughter, and traditions they shared.

An avid reader and devoted animal lover, Kay rarely lived without a beloved dog, cat, or both. She and Bert shared a special love for their dachshund, Joey, who continues to be a cherished companion to Bert, and they recently mourned the loss of their beautiful cat, Bobbie. Kay found great happiness in nature and delighted in feeding the squirrels, raccoons, bears and other wildlife that visited her backyard patio. Whether being a Mom, caring for animals, offering advice, sharing a laugh, or cheering on someone else's dreams, Kay had a remarkable gift for caring deeply. She left every person she met a little more confident and a little more loved.

She will be remembered for her warm smile, infectious enthusiasm, generous heart, adventurous spirit, and the extraordinary legacy of kindness, mentorship, and friendship she leaves behind.

Preceded in Death By

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin Arnold and Norma Arnold, and by her brothers, Richard Arnold and Michael Arnold.

Survived By

• Her devoted husband of 36 years, Bert Stelling

• Her beloved son, and his wife, Nicolas and Nicole Barone

• Her beautiful stepchildren, Meghan, Hannah, and Beth

• Her brother, John Arnold

• Her sisters-in-law, Debra Arnold, Rebecca Stelling, Debra Stelling Steiner, and Rhetta Stelling

• Her Brother-in-law, David Stelling

• Bert’s Seven Grandchildren, many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, cherished friends, former colleagues, clients, and the countless people whose lives she touched through her mentorship, friendship, and generosity.

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Kay's Life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Kay's memory to The Sharing Center.

The Sharing Center

600 N. U.S. Highway 17-92, Suite 130

Longwood, FL 32750

407-260-9155

Memorial gifts may be made through the organization's 'In Memory' donation page:

https://thesharingcenter.org/

Though she is gone far too soon, Kay's greatest legacy lives on in the family and friendships she nurtured, the businesses she helped build, and the people she encouraged to believe in themselves. Her kindness will continue to ripple through the lives of everyone she touched. She will be deeply loved, forever missed, and always r