Kathleen "Kay" Ann Wright

Kay was born on December 29, 1949, in Lansing, Michigan, to Merrill and Dorothy Eding (Bennett). She graduated from Sexton High School and went on to marry the love of her life, Ray Wright, on June 26, 1968, in Lansing. Together, they built a life grounded in faith, family, and selfless service.

Kay was a devoted member of Trinity Church, where she actively participated in the Coffee Club, Children's Ministry, and the Card Ministry - sending thoughtful notes of comfort and celebration for grief and birthdays. Her heart for helping others extended beyond church walls, as she and Ray quietly and faithfully served the unhoused community, driving around to deliver food, clothing, and other necessities to those in need.

Kay’s greatest joy came from her family. She was a proud and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her green thumb and love of gardening were matched by her passion for photography and her unwavering desire to serve and uplift others. Kay will be remembered for her generosity, wisdom, playful sense of humor, sincere nature, and her infectious love of laughter and family gatherings. On top of being a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, she was also a devoted fur baby mom.

Kay is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Ray Wright; her children, JoEllen (Gary) Byrne and Jennifer (JayDee) Reyes; her cherished grandchildren, Zachary Zech (TheaLee), Elijah Zech, Alex Byrne, and Tori (Zachary) Palmieri; and her great-grandchildren, Vincent Byrne and baby Lillian Palmieri, expected in October 2025. She is also survived by her sisters, Betty Kauffman and Carol (Jim) Donaldson; sister-in-law, Sue (Christopher) Clark; brother-in-law, William (Carol) Wright; many nieces and nephews; and countless dear friends who were like family.

Kay was preceded in death by her beloved grandson, Thomas Byrne; siblings-in-law, Roger Wright, Doris Holcomb, Karen Wright, and Nancy Berry; her parents, Merrill and Dorothy Eding; and her parents-in-law, Robert and Edith Wright.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the members of the Coffee Club, whose fellowship and support meant so much to Kay.

A funeral service for Kay will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM, with a one-hour prior visitation from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at Trinity Church, 3355 Dunckel Rd., Lansing, MI 48911. Following the service, Kay will be laid to rest in Maple Ridge Cemetery, 4149 E Willoughby Rd., Holt, MI 48842.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Zachary Zech, Elijah Zech, Alex Byrne, Zachary Palmieri, Anthony Jimenez, and Robert Engardio.

In honor of Kay's love for flowers, the family is encouraging the guests coming to her celebration of life service to wear attire that is colorful and/or with a floral design.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Kay's memory may be made to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition to help raise awareness: https://ovarian.org/donate-ovarian-cancer/