September 3, 1940 – June 18, 2023
A forever beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and wife, Ella Kay Lakhia, age 82, passed on June 18, 2023 in Green, Ohio after a strong and courageous battle with respiratory disease.
Ella, also known to many as Katie and Ellakay, was born and raised in Dink (Ivydale), West Virginia on September 3, 1940. Ella graduated from Clay County High School and attended Glenville State University before moving to Akron, Ohio where she began her career.
Ella worked a long, successful and tireless career as an accountant for Akron Electrotype and the law firm of Renner, Kenner, Grevie, Bobak, Taylor, & Weber until her retirement in 2014. In addition, Ella worked part-time for Macy’s department store for nearly two decades where her bright personality and joy of helping others allowed her to thrive as a leading customer service employee.
Ella found relaxation through her artwork and was always ready to travel to visit new places, friends and family. Ella was known to make Christmas extra special for everyone in her life, including generous charitable contributions. She eventually took up golf and her weekly league became one of her favorite hobbies.
Ella is preceded in death by her father, William (Bill) Douglas, her mother Myrtle Douglas, her older sisters Denia Hall and Carol Douglas, brother-in-laws George Hall and Richard Thomas, nephew Jeffrey Douglas, and her niece Linda Thomas.
Ella is survived by her three sons, Raj, Todd and Brad (Karen) Lakhia, grandchildren George, Ethan, Ava and Jane, former husband Sam (Mamata) Lakhia, sisters Marilyn Thomas, Ronnie (Harold) Batthauer and Cosby (Rich) Gutt. Ella is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, and long-time friends, most especially Norma Taylor and Mary Hollensteener.
The family would like to extend special, sincerest thanks to those who lovingly and compassionately cared for Ella, including Dr. Atul Mehta and the entire Cleveland Clinic team, and the graceful, amazing teams at Greenview Senior Assisted Living and Compassionate Care Hospice.
Calling hours are scheduled for July 15, 2023 between 2:30 and 4:00pm immediately followed by a memorial service at Rose Hill Funeral Home, 3653 West Market Street, Akron, Ohio 44333.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ella’s name to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital: https://raise.stjude.org/ella-kay-lakhia.
