Kay Ann Gopp

Kay Ann (Miles) Gopp, 87, of Dover, Ohio, peacefully entered the presence of her Lord and Savior on July 23, 2026, in the town she loved and called home for most of her life. 

Born on May 16, 1939, in Dover, Ohio, Kay was the daughter of Thomas Miles and Mildred Saam Miles, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband of 22 years, Donald Gopp. 

A proud graduate of Dover High School, Kay was a majorette, served on the yearbook staff, and played the cello. Though she devoted much of her life to caring for her home and raising her family, she also enjoyed working as a dental assistant and receptionist, as well as a switchboard operator for American Board Boilermakers.

More than anything else, Kay’s life was defined by her unwavering Christian faith. She loved the Lord deeply and found great joy in studying His Word, faithfully attending church, and caring for those she loved. The ministries of Billy Graham and her former father-in-law and pastor, Reverend Cledith D. Hefner, profoundly shaped her walk with Christ and strengthened the faith that sustained her throughout her life. Among her favorite passages of Scripture was Psalm 116, which reflected the gratitude and trust she held in God’s unfailing love. 

Kay found beauty in God’s creation and delighted in filling her yard and home with flowers, especially those in her favorite color—pink. Roses, petunias, and the sweet fragrance of gardenias brought her joy. She also enjoyed sewing and taking long walks.

One of Kay’s sweetest traditions was remembering each of her grandchildren on their birthdays with a card containing a stick of gum and a one-dollar bill. Those simple birthday cards became treasured memories that her grandchildren will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Above all, Kay cherished her family. She was a loving mother whose encouragement and prayers became a lasting legacy for her family. 

She is lovingly remembered by her four daughters: Beth Ann (Charles) Hutchinson, Lezlie Jo (Michael) Meihls, Marcia Kay (Brad) Stromack, and Christine Lee Hefner. 

She was a treasured grandmother to Jody (Collin) Jotham, Henry Tyler Brandenburg, Eric (Sheena) Brandenburg, Megan (Trevor) Ezell, Aaron Hutchinson, Evan Hutchinson, Michael (Kylene) Meihls, Karrie Lyn (Brent) Taylor, Casey (Nate) Clemente, Max DeWire, Natalie Stromack, Jamie Swegheimer, and Cooper (Ann) Basiletti. 

She was also blessed with seventeen beloved great-grandchildren: Dylan, Eli, Logan, Zoe, Reeselyn, Jace, Dalton, Karlie, Jack, Mia, Lela, Madison, Max, Eli, Camden, Taytum, and Luca, each of whom brought immeasurable joy to her life.

Kay is also survived by her loving siblings: Becky (Dave) Baker, Thomas (Carol) Miles Jr., and Dan Miles, along with many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. Kay’s abiding faith and unconditional love for her family will be deeply missed but forever remembered. Her life was a testimony to God’s faithfulness, grace, and the enduring hope found in Jesus Christ. 

Though our hearts grieve her absence, we rejoice in the promise that she is now at peace in the presence of her Savior, whom she faithfully loved and served.

Kay’s family will celebrate her life privately with burial taking place in the Dover Burial Park. The Geib Funeral Center at Dover is handling arrangements.