Orilla Kay (Hertzler) Baten

Orilla Kay (Hertzler) Baten

Orilla Kay (Hertzler) Baten, age 86, passed away on Sunday, May 1, 2022.  Kay was born on Monday, October 28, 1935, in Carlisle to the late Christian Abraham Hertzler and Orca F. (Darr) Hertzler.  In addition to her parents, Kay was preceded in death by her husband of 31 years, Richard H. Baten, Sr.; her son, Richard H. Baten, Jr.; and her sister, Gloria A. Peiper.

Kay’s survivors include her three children: Teah V. Hartranft of Camp Hill; John C. Blose of Golden Valley, Arizona; Rose M. Baten of Mechanicsburg; her four grandchildren; her seven great-grandchildren; her sister, Orca Kuhn of Carlisle; her son Richard’s life partner, Terry L. Wheeler of Dillsburg; and her brother-in-law, Clarence J. Peiper of Carlisle.

Kay graduated from South Middleton Township High School as part of the class of 1957.  She received her associate degree in business from Harrisburg Area Community College and her bachelor’s degree in art from York College of Pennsylvania.  Kay was employed as a federal civil service contract negotiator at the Navy Depot in Mechanicsburg for 30 years and received many awards for her outstanding work.  A devoted mother and Christian, Kay was a member of West Shore Evangelical Free Church, where she sang in the choir.  She was also a member of both the El Shaddai Singers and Praise Him Singers choirs as well.  Kay’s passion and talent for art took her all over the United States and Europe to both paint and visit.  She received numerous awards for her artwork throughout her life.  A truly spiritual and artistic soul, Kay will be dearly missed.

All are welcome to join Kay’s family at her viewing on Saturday, May 21, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at 12:00 p.m. at Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Pastor Ken Thompson officiating.  Burial will be private and at the family’s convenience in Rolling Green Cemetery in Camp Hill.  Kay’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of celebration with food and fellowship at Buhrig’s Gathering Place (next to the funeral home) beginning at 1:00 p.m.  Even if you are unable to attend the viewing and service, you are strongly encouraged to attend the celebration.

Contributions in celebration of Kay’s life can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago IL 60601, www.alz.org/?form=alz_donate.

Kay’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Kay’s full obituary, view her memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.