The Gang of Girls — with Shiela, Kay, Barb and Della

My name is Garth Mellick, and I am one of the very few remaining of the clan of families that lived on the north end of Merry Road during the 1950's.   I just learned of Kay's passing by this obituary I found on the internet.  I wish to express my condolences to her surviving family...and especially to Della, who is the only one of them that I have physically met (she was still just "an ankle biter" at the time).  I would also like to pass on the condolences of my sister Sheila in spirit.  Between grade and high school, dancing school (Betty Pruse School of Dance), church (St. Benedict's), roller-skating ('Pontiac' Rolladium even though it was in Waterford Township), ice-skating (on Watkins Lake in Jan & Feb), etc., it almost seemed to me like they were sisters because they spent so much time together.  I began stopping by Kay's house to visit 1-2 times during each summer whenever I was in town after my sister passed on, and we additionally talked on the phone 3-4 times each year.   She remembered from 50 years earlier that I loved sour-cherry pie, and always had a great bowl of chili, sour-cherry pie and ice cream ready whenever I came to see her.   My wife and I met with her in late-summer of 2024, and we talked on the phone about two weeks before she began  her annual winter trek to Florida.  Kay was a genuinely fine lady, and I will always think of and remember her as being a good part of my life.  Rest In Peace...

FRIENDS from SENATE MANOR ESTATES, Port Richey FL

Barb and Bill Slone...One of the really good kind souls of Senate Manor [has] passed away. She was such a wonderful person. Kay loved the card group and an evening at the pool. Will miss her sense of humor and understanding of what makes people different. A good friend. Going to miss you Kay.

Patricia Bennett...So sorry for your loss of your beautiful sister, May she rest in peace forever. 

Larry and Dawn Gunderson Malaise...Our sympathies to you and your family. Kay was such a wonderful person!

Diane Sumerix Szymanski...I am so sorry for you and the rest of Kay's Family. Sure will miss her playing cards.

Joan Preissler Fredericksen...I’m so sorry to hear this. I loved sitting by the pool talking to her. Sending my sincerest sympathy. May God give you His peace. Hugs.

Pat and Don Burke...Our deepest sympathy Della. Kay was a Special lady! She always had a smile!

Elizabeth Barbour...I am truly saddened by this news. Kay was a lovely, caring woman with a wonderful sense of humor. She and I shared a love for reading books at the pool and we loved talking about what we were reading.  She was a wonderful lady and will be missed by all.  My sympathy to her family.

Carol Kronmiller Russell...We are so sorry. We are keeping you and family in our thoughts and prayers

Janet Lloyd...I'm so sorry, I can't imagine loosing my sister. Sending you prayers and hugs.

Jack and Carole Brezinski...Loved you Kay, you will be missed. Our deepest condolences to Kay’s family.  She was such a wonderful friend 🙏🙏🙏❤️

Dave Rodriguez...Della, That is a beautiful tribute to your sister. My condolences to you and your family.

Ardelle Chicilo...Our sympathies to you Della! Loved having our chats with Kay. Always enjoyed a laugh with her!

Lee MacLean...Sending prayers and hugs. She was loved by many.

Joan and Ken Smykal...So, so sorry. Wonderful person.

Mary Lou Branas...She had a beautiful soul. I will miss her. My condolences to Della and the family.

Julie Andrysiak-Hayden...Such sad news! May she rest in peace! Prayers to her family!

Ruth Gaboury...I loved Kay and her wonderful "Joie de vivre!! Prayers and hugs to her loved ones!

Rita Kinner...Kay was so special!! She loved to laugh! Rest in peace Miss Kay. 

Jean Deller Byers...Praying for peace for all [her friends and family].

Florence Baril...I'm so sorry to hear about Kay. She was a special Lady. My sympathy to the family.

Mary Robert...Very sad news, indeed. She was such a lovely person. Her sense of humor and laughter was contagious. She will be missed. My condolences to the family.

Sheila Senter Schreyer...Rest in peace Kay. Prayers to family.

Nancy Sobczak...Rest in peace Kay. Your smile will be missed.

Fran Coffey-Townley...We'll sure miss all the laughs. I hope they play Euchre up there Kay. RIP

Gail Eigenman Zimmermann...So sorry to hear. Prayers.

Real Et Lise Morissette...Sorry to hear. Our deepest sympathy to the family.

Sharon Green...So sorry to hear about Kay's passing. She was such a wonderful person and loved her sense of humor. She sure will be missed. Our Condolences to all the family.

Eileen Leigh...So sorry to hear about Kay's passing. She will be deeply missed.

Shirley Ego...RIP Kay. Condolences to the family.

Adrianne Malecki...Sorry for your loss.

Nancy Salliotte Fredette...I am sorry for your loss, she was a beautiful woman.

Kati DeWindt... Sorry for your loss.

Debbie Johnson...So sorry for your loss. Kay was such a nice lady.

Gene Musumeci...So sorry. Really enjoyed her. Kay will be missed.

Guy Karen Asselin...Sending love and hugs to the family and keeping you all in my thoughts.

Georgiene Stevens...Sorry to hear about this. Sincere Condolences to her family.

Audrey & Jim Stencel, [Cousin] The Villages, FL

"Kay was a sweetheart!

Leni Rodd, Michigan

OH, Della, so very sorry for your loss! Kay was a very special lady. I hope she and my sister Helen are up to their old shenanigans once again. Love & BIG HUGS!

Debra Steele, [Daughter of cousin Judy Steele Rossbottom]

Sending you hugs! I cherish the memories of the times I spent with her so many years ago when I stayed with your mom & dad in Newaygo for a week & Barb & Kay would visit while I was there!

Sandi French

Journey to heaven my dear friend for many years So many adventures together. Winter sports, summer fun, work, after retirement almost daily phone calls. Tried to keep up with life. Kay gave so much of herself to others. She loved the kidos and was a compassionate excellent nurse, loving mother, mother-in-law, grand ma. Kay will be missed by many who knew her. She certainly will be held safe in our hearts!

Patti Sue Cassar, Michigan

Our hearts go out to you, Lynn, Roger and Danny on the death of Aunt Kay. She, her family and all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. May she rest in the arms of our Lord.

Kay's beloved granddaughters, Morgan and Emma Paschke

Michael Paschke, son and Kim Sonnenberg Paschke, daughter-in-law

Jeffrey Paschke, son