Kay was born on June 10, 1940, in Flora, Illinois, to the late John Fender and Mildred LaVonne Wickersham Fender. She was baptized into Christ on July 30, 1951, and in 1957, she married the love of her life, Jackie Leon Hayes, who preceded her in death.
Kay was a member of Radiant City Church in Clarksville and a retired manager for the Plate and Platter Company in San Antonio. A talented interior decorator, she had a gift for making a house feel like home. Above all, her family was her greatest priority. She was a foster mother to more than two dozen children.
She is survived by her children, Teresa Franks (Reverend Steve) of Glendale, Arizona, Janet Rivers (Jeff) of Roman Forest, Texas, and Reverend Chad Hayes (Rachael) of Greenville, Indiana; her grandchildren, Mark Franks, Lori Villanueva, Devan Damiano, Dylan Damiano, Dasan Damiano, Dawsan Damiano, Noah Hayes, Nathan Hayes, Jentzen Hayes, and Bethyn Hayes; her great-grandchildren, Brendan Villanueva, Landon Villanueva, Ethan Villanueva, Rylan Villanueva, Bexley Franks, Reiley Franks, and Gianni Damiano; and a great-great-grandchild on the way. She is also survived by her siblings, Reverend Steve Fender and Sandra Goodman.
In addition to her parents and beloved husband, Kay was preceded in death by her brother, Johnny Wayne Fender.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 7 p.m., at Livingway Christian Church, 13285 I-35 Frontage Rd, San Antonio, TX 78233. Burial will take place at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, November 18, 2026 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery,1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, Texas 78209.
