Kay Maxedon (nee Kneemyer) went to be with her Savior, Jesus, on November 5, 2026. She was born July 15, 1944, to Robert and Kathryn (nee Wilkinson) Kneemyer. She was preceded in death by both of her parents and many wonderful aunts and uncles.
Kay is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Richard, her dear sons, Mike and Rik, and her loving daughter-in-law, Jen. She adored being a grandmother to Briiana, Kaelee, Matthew, Hannah Grace, Cooper, Mia and Ian; great-grandmother to Wilder and Indigo; cherished sister to Karolyn (nee Kneemyer) and Wayne Heinrich; loved daughter by marriage to Mary Kneemyer; sister by marriage to Stan and Julie Blank and Rhonda Blank; beloved aunt to nephews Grant (Melissa) Heinrich, Garrett Heinrich, Kyle (Katherine) Blank, Kurtis (Katie) Blank and Kory (Rebekah) and one niece, Kasey Austin as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews. She is also survived by countless Wilkinson cousins and her uncle, Bobby Wilkinson.
Family was deeply important to Kay. Wilkinson reunions and cousins' parties were highlights of her years. She was always there to encourage Mike and Rik and all their children in their sports and events, bringing snacks, cards and flowers to nearly all of them. Her most valued relationship was with her husband, Rich. They met on a blind date on November 11 and married December 29 of that same year. Kay had to cancel a New Year’s Eve date to get married! They would have celebrated 59 years this December. Rich and Kay adored each other and had a beautiful marriage.
Faith was a major part of her life. She was a long-time member at First Baptist of Ferguson, First Baptist O’Fallon, Illinois, and most recently, a devoted member at First Baptist Church of Gibsonton. Deep friendships were formed at each of those churches that remained important to her throughout her life. Her faith was more than just being a part of a church; it shaped her being.
Friends were always a vital part of her life. Many friends will remember trips, parties and sharing a delicious meal with Kay, many of which she cooked and served. She formed these friendships easily through many aspects of her life, including her kids’ schools, sports, church and her neighborhood. Many of Mike and Rik’s friends and the grandchildren’s friends referred to Kay as Mopsie, one of her favorite names to be called. Kay’s kindness, hospitality and warmth made her a great friend to many.
Kay will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
A visitation celebrating her life will be held at First Baptist Church of Gibsonton, Florida on November 14 from 3:00–5:00 p.m., with a memorial service at 5:00 p.m.
Another visitation celebrating her life will be held at First Baptist Church of Ferguson on November 23 from 3:00–6:00 p.m., with a memorial service at 6:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Stray Rescue of Saint Louis, 2320 Pine Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, or online at https://www.strayrescue.org/donate/.
