April 3rd ,1938 - August 23rd, 2026
Kay Carol Navratil, at the beautiful age of 88 peacefully passed away within the gentle care of hospice on mid-day Sunday, August 23rd, 2026.
Kay’s life journey began in Boulder, Colorado April 3rd, 1938, as the cherished second born to Robert Charles Carter and Ruby Bethel Madsen. Raised in Colorado alongside her sister, Charlene, she went on to graduate from Denver North High School in 1957. Driven by her forever desire to learn and socialize, she later attended University of Colorado for a few semesters before proudly graduating from Barnes Business School. In her early career, Kay utilized her sharp organizational skills working as a secretary for various insurance companies and later within a Chevrolet Fleet office in Denver.
On September 20th, 1964, Kay celebrated the beginning of a beautiful lifelong partnership when she married Lawrence “Larry” Navratil. Together, they built a beautiful life rooted in devotion, raised two beloved sons, and celebrated 62 wonderful years of marriage.
Kay channeled her lifelong passion for antiques and history into building an antique business, The Peddlers, in 1973. She and Larry did all their antiquing side by side, embarking on frequent trips to auctions together to discover hidden treasures. They spent decades showcasing their finds at the Brass Armadillo, with Kay dedicating her time, keen eye, and bright spirit to their business up until her passing. She was a natural social butterfly who loved nothing more than connecting with people; she never missed an opportunity to chat and had a delightful knack for seamlessly stealing away conversations, turning brief greetings into long, cherished visits.
Though she was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Robert and Ruby, and her sister Charlene, Kay’s vibrant legacy will live on through her devoted husband Larry Navratil, her oldest son Tim and his wife Babette alongside their daughter Niamh and Kays youngest son Brett and his wife Patrice along with their children Hunter and Hailey. Her warmth and enduring spirit live on through her husband, sons, and cherished grandchildren and the many lives she’s graced.
Services honoring Kay’s life will be held on September 9th, 2026, at Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary, Located at 7777 West 29th Ave, Wheat Ridge, Co 80033. Family and friends are
invited to gather for a viewing beginning at 9:00 am. The funeral service will commence at 11:00 am, followed by a committal service. Afterward, everyone is warmly invited to return to the service location to share memories, comfort one another, and help celebrate Kay’s beautiful life during the funeral reception.
