Katherine L. Hurd 1929-2026
NORTH LIMA — Katherine L. Hurd, 96, of North Lima, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2026.
She was born Aug. 31, 1929, in Guysville, the daughter of the late Fred L. and Leona Buck Hawk.
Katherine graduated from Athens High School in 1947 and earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Ohio University in 1952.
She married Raymond W. Hurd on June 8, 1952, and celebrated 72 years of marriage prior to Ray’s death in 2024.
She was a kindergarten teacher in the Granville School District. Katherine helped co-found the Valley Food Co-Op and coordinated the North Lima Senior Citizens Club. She volunteered with Protestant Family Service for over 30 years.
Katherine belonged to Mount Olivet Church; she was in the church choir and handbell choir and directed the junior choir. She began the church rummage sale 65 years ago and was an avid birdwatcher. Katherine enjoyed singing with the “Always Hurd” gospel group composed of family members.
Katherine leaves to cherish her memory, son, Duane Hurd of Defiance; daughters, Nancy (Phillip) Valentine of Canfield and Anita (Bryce) Gillam of Columbiana; seven grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter, Kaitlyn Murray Hurd; sisters, Freda Jones, Eileen, Stella Bowdler and Janet Stickler; brother, Wilbur Hawk; stepbrothers, Ronald and Howard Williams; and sister-in-law, Muriel Moore.
Family and friends may call 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 16, 2026, with a service at 3 p.m., at Mount Olivet Church of Christ, 410 South Range Road, North Lima, OH 44452, with Pastor Jeffery Mincher officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Katherine’s memory to Mount Olivet’s General Fund, 410 South Range Road, North Lima, OH 44452; or Jubilee Christian Fellowship of Glenellen, 5110 S. Canfield-Niles Road, Canfield, OH 44406.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Seederly-Mong and Beck Funeral Home, 11500 Market St., North Lima, OH 44452. Family and friends of Katherine may view this obituary at www.seederly-mongandbeck.com to leave condolences for the Hurd family.
(special notice)