Kay was born on October 5, 1944, in Nevada, Missouri, to Keith Kohl Kafer and Mary Ellen (Shafer). While growing up, she and her older brother Gary attended school in Nevada. She had many fond memories of their years at Jefferson school and often told the story of Nevada High School burning during her freshman year.
Kay began working at a young age and established life-long friendships along the way. She was employed by Vieth’s Cafe and Nelly Don. She and her family owned and operated Nevada Livestock Auction for 32 years, where customers and workers became extended family. In 1992, she opened Travel Bound Inc. She had a passion for helping others make memories, and she was able to make many of her own as she traveled the world with some of her best friends. For the last 15 years, Kay was an associate at Walmart. She enjoyed serving her customers and greeted everyone with a friendly smile and oftentimes, a hug.
Kay’s best job was being a mother. She raised four kids, Dirk, Troy, Shannon, and Heather, but always claimed many more as her own. It never failed that she would have a story about her kids or grandkids to share. Kay treasured time with her family. She loved being at Stockton Lake, the Missouri State Fair, and taking ski trips to Colorado. She hosted holidays and dinner every Sunday. Everyone looked forward to going to Grandma’s house. She was a great cook and made the best fried chicken in town!
Kay is survived by four children and their spouses, all of Nevada: Dirk and Debbi Scotten, Troy and Julie Scotten, Shannon and Krista Scotten, Chris and Heather Warner; thirteen grandchildren, Melanie Wiles, Monica Linn, Marlene Scotten, Tommy Scotten, Derik Scotten, Jordan Cauthon, Taylor Scotten, Janna Scotten, Spencer Scotten, Skyler Scotten, Carsten Brandt, Camryn Warner; numerous great-grandchildren; and 2 very special friends Donna Lutes and Marlene Hargrove. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Gary Kafer, and infant daughter Wendy Ellen.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 20, 2023 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. Private interment will follow. The family will receive friends from 1-2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested in her memory to the Nevada Show Choir in c/o Ferry Funeral Home.
