Kay Voelp passed away on June 19, 2025, at the age of 84. She was born Kay Ellen Selby to Raymond and Elsie (Anliker) Selby in Mansfield, Ohio. She was the mother of three children, Tyson Voelp, Traci (Bob) Zacharias, and Todd Voelp (who preceded her in death) and his wife, Shawn. Her legacy also leaves four grandchildren, Abby Zacharias, Holly Zacharias Peterson, Andy Voelp and Erin Bouchard; along with two great-grandchildren, Claire Bouchard and Jude Peterson. She also leaves behind three lifelong friends, Gloria, Carolyn and Nan who could fill another page with stories of their youth! In addition to her parents and son, she was preceded in death by both her siblings, Lela Selby Sheetz and Theodore Selby.
Kay grew up living in both Santa Barbara, CA, and Mansfield. Most of her teenage years were spent riding her horse, Gypsy, with her friends, Gloria and Carolyn, hiking and swimming, and she still took first runner up in the Miss Mansfield Pageant, something she was proud of.
Kay married the love of her life, Monte Voelp, who survives her, and together they navigated the joys and heartaches of 65 years together. Although her mind was impaired from the debilitating effects of Alzheimer’s, she never stopped asking for her “Boop”. Together, they shared a full life filled with travel, gardening, biking, hiking and love for their many yellow labs and, more recently, an entire litter of rescued kittens. Throughout the years Kay worked as a teacher aide for the Mansfield City School System and The Outdoor Education program. Her last official career was tending and caring for the beautiful gardens on the Balgreen Farm estate where people came from miles away to photograph and admire.
Kay leaves her family with many memories of growing up on the Balgreen Farm where she provided her family with never-ending home cooked meals from their garden and pantry; campfire cookouts in the woods behind their home; and a lifetime of teaching her children to love and respect nature and all living creatures. Depending on the season, there were puppies and kittens, goats and chickens, rabbits and gerbils, horses and ponies, and even a pot-bellied pig (which was no one’s favorite but hers).
A private memorial service to honor Kay’s life will be held at a future date. If desired, memorial contributions can be made to OhioHealth Compassus Hospice, S.T.O.P., the Humane Society of Richland County, or any organization dedicated to helping and protecting animals.
Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario is honored to serve the family.
