Ada Kohlus of Montauk died on January 24, 2018, of colon and pancreatic cancer.
Born in Hoboken, New Jersey, she moved to Montauk in 1976 and planted roots in the community. Over the next 44 years, as a hair dresser, salon owner, wife and mother she made countless connections and lifelong friends. In 2003 she sold her salon, Artistic Hair Design, and dedicated her time to the family charter boat business. Partnering with her husband, Captain David Kohlus, they purchased a Rybovich in south Florida. They restored the boat together that winter, and sailed it to Montauk in time for the 2008 fishing season. The boat was appropriately named the Adah K, an acronym for Ada, Dave, Ashley and Hailey.
Survivors said she was a pillar of strength and a beauty with an unmatched sense of humor even during the darkest of times. She was at her home in Florida surrounded by family when she died.
She is survived by her husband, David; her daughters, Ashley and Hailey; and two grandsons.
Memorial donations may be made to Treasure Coast Hospice, 5000 Dunn Rd. Fort Pierce FL, 34981; or the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, ccalliance.org.