CINCINNATI — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered that flags at multiple buildings will fly at half-staff to honor Brigid Kelly, the Hamilton County auditor who recently stepped down amid her two-year battle with cancer and died.
The flags at all public buildings and grounds in Hamilton County, the Ohio Statehouse, Vern Riffe Center and Rhodes Tower will be at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on the day of Kelly's funeral.
The Hamilton County Commissioners ordered all flags in the county to be at half-staff Wednesday.
The auditor's office said Kelly passed away at home on Tuesday night.
"She was a treasured wife, daughter and sister, a valued friend and a true public servant," her family said via the auditor's office.
The buildings that are flying flags at half-staff Wednesday include:
- The Hamilton County Courthouse
- The Justice Center
- The Todd B. Portune Center for County Government
- Hamilton County Job and Family Services
- William Howard Taft Center
- Patrol Headquarters
- Juvenile Court
- The Hamilton County Animal Shelter
- The Dr. O’dell Moreno Owens Coroner’s Office
"Fran and I are saddened by the death of Hamilton County Auditor Brigid Kelly," DeWine said in a statement. " ... Like many who worked with her, I knew Brigid to be cordial, collaborative and willing to work with both parties to help advance the interests of Ohioans."
Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus teared up last week as she discussed Kelly's fight and decision to resign from her position.
"As many know, Brigid was diagnosed with cancer just under two years ago," Driehaus said. "She has fought this disease with her typical rigor while continuing to serve as the county auditor. Brigid is currently under hospice care. At this point in time, Brigid believes it is best not only for herself but also for Hamilton County to step down from her position as the county auditor."
Driehaus said Kelly asked commissioners to appoint Chief Deputy Auditor Amy Humphrey as the acting auditor until a replacement is selected.
Fellow commissioners Alicia Reece and Stephanie Summerow Dumas celebrated Kelly's passion and fight, as well as her love for others.
"(She was) showing up every day, even though she had her own fight, trying to fight for the citizens of this county," Reece said. "It's unbelievable."
At their meeting, commissioners appointed Humphrey as they await the Hamilton County Democratic Party's decision.
Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval called Kelly's death a "heart-wrenching moment."
"Brigid Kelly was, and will remain, an irreplaceable kind of spirit. In everything she set herself to, she left a real and unique touch," Pureval said in a statement. "You always knew she was there, that she cared and that she would do what it took to help."
State Sen. Shane Wilkin (R-Hillsboro) released a statement saying him and Kelly "shared a mutual respect for our differences, agreed to disagree, and always, above all, remained friends."
Ohio GOP chair Alex Triantifilou said he had a "very positive image of [Kelly] as a kind, professional and gracious person."
In a Facebook post, Melissa Powers said Kelly was a "dynamic young woman with a strong commitment to public service."
"She was a devoted and steadfast servant to our county and known for her graceful leadership. She displayed tremendous bravery in her fight with cancer these past two years," Powers wrote.
Kelly, a Norwood native, attended St. Ursula Academy before graduating from Xavier with her bachelor's degree, and later the University of Cincinnati with her master's degree. She previously served as a state representative for the 31st district, which includes Norwood, Amberley, Silverton and more
Watch Live:
