Karol Kay Holtby passed away on November 3, 2026 at the age of 88. Born September 11, 1938, Kay was a cherished presence to all who knew and loved her, and she will be deeply missed by her family and many friends. A longtime resident of Shreveport, Louisiana, she built a life marked by devotion, determination, and enduring love for those around her.
For more than 50 years, Kay served her community as a Realtor, a calling she embraced with pride and purpose. She was awarded REALTOR® Emeritus Status, earned the designation of a CRS—Certified Residential Specialist, and received numerous Top Producer Awards throughout her career. Kay truly loved selling houses, and she found particular joy in helping young families find their dream home.
Her interests reflected the life she loved: she enjoyed gardening and tending to her plants and flowers, and she was an avid Fox News viewer. Kay was also a dedicated fan of the New Orleans Saints, especially Drew Brees. In her younger years, she participated in bowling leagues, played golf with Ron, and even styled hair as a licensed beautician.
Kay cherished her family and was lovingly known as “Beautiful Grandma Kay.” With a fiery spirit that matched her signature red hair, she brought energy and unmistakable presence wherever she went. She could always be counted on to command the dance floor with her trademark “Kay” Shuffle.
She lived a life of faith, growing up in the Christian Church and in later years, joined and attended services at Broadmoor United Methodist Church with her husband.
Kay was preceded in death by her husband, Ron Holtby; and her parents, Theola and Delbert Saffer.
Left to cherish her memory are her children: Brenda Holtby Smith (Johnny), Scott Holtby, Tammy Holtby Flowers (Frank), and Terri Holtby; her grandchildren: Joel Smith, Sabrina Smith, Bubba Smith, Logan Smith, Trent Smith, Samantha Vaughan, Justin Holtby, Daniel Flowers, Wyatt Flowers, Kaylee Conly, Allie Zator, Emily Edwards, and Alicia Edwards; 15 great-grandchildren; her sisters, Joy Esch and Martha Jones; her brother, Rusty Saffer; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
A visitation for Kay will be held at Broadmoor United Methodist Church, 3715 Youree Dr, Shreveport, LA 71105, on November 14, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 am. A Committal Service will take place at Centuries Memorial Park, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71108, where she will be laid to rest. Officiating the services is Reverend Dr. Wybra Price. Honoring Kay as pallbearers are her grandsons.
