Gloria “Kay” Barrett, 85, formerly of Montpelier and Rossford, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2025, at Hillside Country Living in Bryan.

Kay was born on August 28, 1940, at Bryan Hospital, to James Alton and Sarah Jane (Richard) Hays. She grew up on County Road R in Montpelier and attended the one-room Hay Jay School on County Road 8 before graduating with the first consolidated class of North Central High School. She later attended International Business School in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

She worked as an administrative assistant in the Bowling Green and Perrysburg areas at Sohio Oil Company, Armstrong Theaters, General Wheel Company and Owens Technical College. She then joined Penta County Vocational High School, where she devoted more than 33 years, many of those as the superintendent’s executive assistant, before retiring.

Kay was preceded in death by her son, Bret Barrett, of Rossford; her parents, James and Jane Hays; her brother, Steve Hays, and her dear friend, Nance Gerwin of Gibsonburg.

She is survived by her daughter, Kristina (James) Daugherty of Lake Havasu City, Arizona; her sister-inlaw, Sandy Hays of Montpelier; nieces, Sharla (Lindy) Kirkenberg and Jodi Hays; nephew, Brian (Lori) Hays of Wauseon and their children. She also treasured the lifelong friendship of her high school best friend, Betty Freese. Kay also is survived by her cherished grandkitties, Heidi, Max and OC.

Kay was grateful for the caregivers who supported her before she entered Hillside Country Living. During her years there, she formed close bonds with both staff and fellow residents, often asking about their children and grandchildren. Many continued to visit her even beyond their shifts, and those friendships, along with the love of family, brought her great comfort and joy.

A memorial service to celebrate Kay’s life was held on Friday, September 5, 6 p.m., at Hillside Country Living Chapel in Bryan.