Kay Elizabeth Beltz (nee Vanderhoff), age 78 of Portage passed away Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at home. She was born on May 12, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Ernest and Jane Vanderhoff. On February 3, 1973, she married Donald Beltz in Warren, Michigan. She retired after 40 years of service as a teacher. She began teaching in 1965 in Clawson, Michigan.  Kay taught classes at Portage Adult Education and the Westville Prison. She ended her career retiring from Washington Township Schools in Porter County. Kay was a dedicated educator and deeply cared for her students placing special emphasis on the children and adults who needed extra attention. In her free time, Kay enjoyed hand crafts like cross stitch and knitting. She was a voracious reader. Along with her husband and daughter, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Hobart.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Donald Beltz; daughter, Elizabeth Beltz; sisters, Karen (Richard) Powell of Traverse City, Michigan and Karol Vanderhoff of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

She was preceded in death by her father and stepmother, Ernest and Grace Vanderhoff; her mother and stepfather, Jane and Richard Benoit; and brother, Kim Vanderhoff.

Memorial contributions in Kay's name may be made to Dunes Hospice, 4711 Evans Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46383.

A funeral service for Kay will take place Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at 12:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart with Rev. Leah Peksenak officiating. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 10:00 am until the time of service at the funeral home. Cremation to follow services. For more information, please call (219) 942-2109. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneral homes.com.