Obituary for Ronnie Kay
Ronald Joseph “Ronnie” Kay, age 60, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away peacefully Friday, February 14, 2020, at home surrounded by his family.
He was born on March 12, 1959 in Jefferson City, the son of Dwight D. and Pauline “Pat” (Goeller) Kay. He was married on May 7, 1988 in Jefferson City to Lora “Susie” Shirley, who survives.
A lifelong resident of Jefferson City, Ronnie graduated from Jefferson City High School in 1978. After graduation, Ronnie began working for Tharp Lumber Company for over 20 years. He worked for Thurman Kempker during those years and enjoyed their relationship because he thought of Thurman as a father figure. He later went on to work for Wal-Mart for the next 21 years until ill health forced his retirement in May 2018.
He was a lifelong member of St. Peter Catholic Church.
Family has always been the most important area of Ronnie’s life and he cherished anytime spent with them. He always looked forward to Daytona racing parties, celebrating all holidays (Christmas was his favorite time of year) and watching certain television series with his daughter. He will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, caring nature and a remarkable loyalty to family, friends and co-workers. During any free time, Ronnie loved to fish, hunt and was an avid reader. He was passionate about cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs and thoroughly enjoyed watching them win the Super Bowl this month.
Survivors include: his loving wife of 31 years, Susie Kay; his daughter, Emily Kay of Jefferson City, Mo.; six siblings; Randy Kay (Rita), Rick Kay, Chris Kay, Steve Kay (Dennis), Cindy Lamberson (Toby) and Tim Kay; three brothers-in-law, Tom Shirley (Vicky), Wesley Shirley and Larry Shirley (Terri); two sisters-in-law, Leesa Drennan (Thomas) and Barb Mitchell; numerous nieces and nephews; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents; his maternal grandmother, Sarah Goeller, who he was extremely close with growing up; and his in-laws, Thomas and Lorice Shirley.
Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 19, 2020 with a prayer service held immediately before the visitation at 3:15 p.m. in the Freeman Chapel.
Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 20, 2020 at St. Peter Catholic Church with the Reverend Jeremy Secrist officiating. Graveside service and interment will be held at Eugene Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice Compassus or the American Diabetes Association.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.
He was born on March 12, 1959 in Jefferson City, the son of Dwight D. and Pauline “Pat” (Goeller) Kay. He was married on May 7, 1988 in Jefferson City to Lora “Susie” Shirley, who survives.
A lifelong resident of Jefferson City, Ronnie graduated from Jefferson City High School in 1978. After graduation, Ronnie began working for Tharp Lumber Company for over 20 years. He worked for Thurman Kempker during those years and enjoyed their relationship because he thought of Thurman as a father figure. He later went on to work for Wal-Mart for the next 21 years until ill health forced his retirement in May 2018.
He was a lifelong member of St. Peter Catholic Church.
Family has always been the most important area of Ronnie’s life and he cherished anytime spent with them. He always looked forward to Daytona racing parties, celebrating all holidays (Christmas was his favorite time of year) and watching certain television series with his daughter. He will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, caring nature and a remarkable loyalty to family, friends and co-workers. During any free time, Ronnie loved to fish, hunt and was an avid reader. He was passionate about cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs and thoroughly enjoyed watching them win the Super Bowl this month.
Survivors include: his loving wife of 31 years, Susie Kay; his daughter, Emily Kay of Jefferson City, Mo.; six siblings; Randy Kay (Rita), Rick Kay, Chris Kay, Steve Kay (Dennis), Cindy Lamberson (Toby) and Tim Kay; three brothers-in-law, Tom Shirley (Vicky), Wesley Shirley and Larry Shirley (Terri); two sisters-in-law, Leesa Drennan (Thomas) and Barb Mitchell; numerous nieces and nephews; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents; his maternal grandmother, Sarah Goeller, who he was extremely close with growing up; and his in-laws, Thomas and Lorice Shirley.
Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 19, 2020 with a prayer service held immediately before the visitation at 3:15 p.m. in the Freeman Chapel.
Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 20, 2020 at St. Peter Catholic Church with the Reverend Jeremy Secrist officiating. Graveside service and interment will be held at Eugene Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice Compassus or the American Diabetes Association.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.