Katherine Mae (Stanford) DeArmitt Strouse, known lovingly to many as Kay, passed away into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 11, 2026, in Martinsburg, PA at the age of 82, after a three-year challenge with Alzheimer’s Disease. Kay fought the good fight, finished her race with grace and grit, and now has her eternal reward in Glory.
Born on September 15, 1943, in Ridgeway, PA, she was the daughter of the late Timothy Sherman Stanford and Doris Sheehan Stanford. She was a long-time resident of State College, PA and also lived in Gatesburg, PA for several years. After graduating from State College Area High School in 1961, Kay went on to build a long and respected career as Office Manager for Dix Honda in State College, where she served faithfully for over 30 years. Her dedication, professionalism, and steady presence made her a valued part of the workplace and left a lasting impression on those who worked alongside her.
Kay was a member of Soroptimist International of Centre County where she enthusiastically worked to improve the lives of women and girls. In her early life, she was an active member of Gatesburg Lutheran Church and taught Sunday School there for 13 years. Kay also attended Pine Hall Lutheran Church in State College. After her retirement from Dix Honda in 2011, Kay remained active to help the community of State College. She volunteered at the Schlow Centre Region Library, served as treasurer for Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church, worked various part-time receptionist jobs, and finally as a clerk at Ace Hardware. She fully retired in 2023 and moved to a retirement facility in Martinsburg, PA to be close to her nephew and his wife, Todd and Karen Stanford, so they could help her through this terminally declining health condition.
Family was central to Kay’s life, and she leaves behind a loving and devoted family who will forever treasure her memory. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Richard S. Stanford, and former spouse, Oscar DeArmitt of Gatesburg, PA. She is survived by her brother, retired USMC Colonel Tim Stanford, and his wife, Trina; her sister, Margaret “Marnie” Stanford Quick; her nephew, retired Army Major Todd Stanford, and his wife, Karen Stanford; her niece, Holly (Stanford) Massey; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She leaves behind five grandchildren who brought her great pride and happiness – Margo, Ruby, and Colin Garis; and Charlie and Wilder Castle. She is also survived by former spouse Ralph Strouse and his daughters, Jennifer (Strouse) Garis and husband Josh; and Stephenie (Strouse) Castle and husband Jeff. Kay also leaves many dear friends behind, all of whom were blessed by her presence and will deeply miss her.
Kay carried the values of faith, kindness, and perseverance throughout her life. She was a Christian woman whose life reflected her deep devotion to her family and her friends. She lived a life marked by courage, love, and kindness. She was the kind of person who made others feel welcome and cared for, and she was cherished for her warm spirit and genuine heart. She enjoyed golfing, horses, cross stitch, and spending time with a good book. She was an excellent cook, and greatly enjoyed shopping, traveling, and most of all, being with family and friends. She also loved her dear pets over the years that gave her so much joy – Tiny the cat, Lolly-Horse, dogs Missy, Cocoa, and Abby, and finally Diamond-Dog who was with her near the end. In her final years, she often reminisced of special times in Gatesburg with family and friends, horseback riding with her faithful, loyal friend Ruth Ann, and being with her grandchildren. These interests and special memories brought her joy throughout her life and reflected the many ways she embraced each day with appreciation and enthusiasm.
Those who knew Kay will remember her as courageous, loving, and kind. She met life with strength and grace, and she faced each season with a quiet resilience that inspired those around her. Her family and friends will remember her laughter, her thoughtful nature, and the comfort of her companionship. She had a remarkable ability to make ordinary moments feel special, and her legacy will live on in the many lives she touched through her kindness and care. Her life was a beautiful example of devotion to family, commitment to work, and appreciation for the blessings of everyday life. Her memory will be held close by all who loved her, and her influence will continue through the generations of family she helped shape with her love and example. Her well-lived life leaves a legacy that cannot be measured in years alone. Although she is no longer with us, the love she gave and the life she lived will remain an enduring source of comfort and inspiration.
Family and Friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life/Memorial Service in honor of Kay on August 26, 2026, at 6:30 pm at Christ Church,7524 Woodbury Pike, Roaring Spring, PA. At her request, Kay will be laid to rest privately in the Stanford Family Plot at the Gatesburg Cemetery, 1924 West Gatesburg Road, Warriors Mark, PA.
Thank you to family and friends who encouraged Kay with visits, texts, and FB posts. And thank you so much to her brother Tim and his wife Trina, her sister, Marnie, her long-time friend, Ruth Ann Carmichael, the Peters Family, and all the great caregivers and staff at The Villages of Morrison Cove and Optum Healthcare in Martinsburg, PA who joined with us and came alongside to support Kay during her greatest time of need in life.
We love you deeply and we will greatly miss you!
The Stanford Family (Todd & Karen Stanford)