Kay Glenna Hartzler

Kay Glenna (Rynbrand) (Buys) Hartzler passed away February 15th, 2026, on Beaver Island, Michigan. She was born December 2, 1936, at Bronson hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Glen and Cornelius (Kate DeLoof) Rynbrand. Kay attended Kalamazoo Central High school graduating at 16 years of age. She went on to Hope College, majoring in education, and marrying Jim Buys, whom she met at Hope. Kay moved to Ohio with Jim. They had two children and she worked as a preschool teacher. In 1969 they moved to Kalamazoo where she worked with her father in the heating and cooling business. Jim passed in 1973. Knowing she needed to provide for her family, Kay returned to school, attending Western Michigan University to earn her teaching certificate.

Kay started the first local chapter of the Philanthropic Education Organization (PEO) being the first member and president in 1975. PEO is a foundation founded in 1869 dedicated to supporting higher education for women through grants, awards, and loans.

In 1977 Kay met Daryl Hartzler at a church retreat. Three months later they married, combined their families, and she moved to Lake Odessa. Kay became involved in adult education, while earning her master’s degree from Michigan State University. She served as the Maple Valley Adult Education coordinator for several years, where she actively encouraged individuals to obtain their GED or high school diploma.

Daryl and Kay started a new venture in the eighties and formed Hartzler Charters and Tours. Daryl’s passion for driving and Kay’s for setting up trips over the US and Canada turned into a successful business which lasted over twenty years.

After finishing the tour business, she and Daryl continued traveling, taking people to appointments, delivering packages, and transporting dogs to rescues. Their hearts and home were always open to helping anyone in need. She also held a position on the Village of Lake Odessa council.

Kay enjoyed hosting bible studies and dinners with family and friends. She spent her free time knitting sweaters for World Vision’s Knit for Kids. Her caring, compassion, and faith have been an inspiration to many.

Kay is preceded in death by her parents Glen and Cornelius Rynbrand, James F. Buys (husband), and Daryl Hartzler (husband).

She is survived by children Jerry (Lori) Buys, Mary Buys (Denny) Cook, Nicole Hartzler (Dan) Thomas, Craig Hartzler, and Andy (Julie) Hartzler. Grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Memorial contributions can be made to: Philanthropic Education Organization (PEO), Michigan PEO Fund Inc, PO Box 180, Grand Blanc, MI 48480, or Relief After Violent Encounter of Ionia County (RAVE), 890 E. Lincoln Ave., Ionia, MI 48846

Visitation and service will be in Lake Odessa and announced later.