Anyone who knew Kay would describe her as a sweet, kind & comforting presence. In her prime, she made a mean Texas sheet cake, pie crusts so flaky and tasty everyone looked forward to them each holiday, and fudge and cookies we would all sneak off into the kitchen to grab whenever we visited.
She was deeply devoted to her husband Norman Cates. They enjoyed NASCAR, the Chiefs and country music together while Kay read romance novels in her free time (but that might have been her secret). She retired early to take advantage of their good health to travel, fish, stay in their trailer at the lake and visit family near and far – and host the annual Fish Fry bringing together family and friends. She even took yoga classes from her daughter-in-law, Shanna, to maintain and improve her health.
Kay married Jim Haun in 1968 raising two sons, Matt & Chris Haun together. And though they divorced in 1982, the marriage brought Kay to a duplex next door to Sallie and Linda who introduced Kay to their brother Norman and that was it. Not only did Kay gain a spouse (1983), and a son, Jeremy Cates, but also many sisters & brothers-in-law that welcomed her with open arms.
Kay worked hard at all her careers, Kenmar Furniture of East Palestine, OH; Mittlemen Furniture of Kansas City, MO; and National Financial Data Services of Kansas City, MO.
Even though Kay was not always the most talkative person, being diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia was a blow. But despite the challenges it presented, she kept a great attitude and faced the hurdles as they came.
Kay is preceded in death by her parents Pauline Grant and Otis Grant, and her husband Norman Cates;
Kay leaves behind three sisters, Nancy (Buddy) Zaplac, Janice Point and Liz Burkepile; three sons, Matt (Shanna) Haun, Chris (Jayma) Haun and Jeremy (Wendy) Cates along with grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at McGilley & Frye Funeral Home (105 E Loula St, Olathe, KS) on Saturday, October 15th. Visitation starts at Noon with services at 1 PM. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Aphasia Institute (www.aphasia.ca/donate/donate-now/) or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McGilley-Frye.com for the Cates family.
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