A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 19, 2025, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home and burial will follow at Mount Moriah Cemetery South.
Gay was born on September 11, 1937, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Richard and Beatrice Smith. At the age of thirteen, she moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where she graduated from Woodward High School. During her high school years, she enjoyed singing in the choir and playing violin in the school orchestra.
From her first marriage, she became the mother of Barbara, Cindy, and David. Though Cindy was only with her for a short time, she remained forever in Gay’s heart. Gay and her family eventually settled in Kansas City, where she raised Barb and Dave. Her years at home with them were a cherished chapter in her life, and she was proud to be their mother.
On April 25, 1970, she married the love of her life, Jack Williams. Together, they built a beautiful life and especially enjoyed their time at the Lake of the Ozarks, where they had a lake house for many years. While Gay treasured her time at home with her children, she also found fulfillment in her professional life, holding various positions in the insurance industry and later working as a bookkeeper at Allen Financial, where she retired in 1997.
Gay was always up for a game of dominoes or cards with friends. She loved shopping, especially with her granddaughters. A creative spirit, she usually had some type of craft project to keep her busy. She valued staying connected with her many circles of friends and especially cherished her time with the “Lake Girls.” Later in life, she looked forward to “Frog Fridays” with her neighborhood friends, where they gathered for snacks, wine, and updates on neighborhood happenings. She also loved cozying up with a Hallmark movie or cheering on her beloved Kansas City Chiefs. No matter what Gay was doing, she was never without a smile on her face!
Though she is no longer with us, the legacy of Gay’s love and the memories she created will continue to shine brightly in the lives of her family. Her life was a testament to love, resilience, and joy.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Beatrice Smith; her husband, Jack Williams; her brother, John Smith; her daughters, Barbara Blatz and infant Cindy Fette; and her son, David Fette.
Gay is survived by her grandchildren, Lindsey (Matt) Lamb, Nick (Maggie) Blatz, and Audrey (Jon) Harrison; her great-grandchildren, Lane, Paige, Harper, Levon, and Remy; her daughter-in-law, Pam; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, the American Cancer Society or Ascend Hospice.
