W. Kay Norwood was born in Wray, CO, the second daughter, to Beryl and Hattie (Lidke) Allen. She grew up on the family farm near Beecher Island, CO. Being younger than her older sister and brother by nearly 10 years, Kay spent many hours helping with the farming and cattle. She was horse back at an early age and enjoyed working with horses and later working with young people learning to ride. She attended school in Idalia, CO, graduating as Valedictorian. She was active in her church at Beecher Island. She entered many projects in 4-H, exhibiting at the Yuma County Fair and the Colorado State Fair, winning the Fashion Revue in 1968. She served as Colorado Hereford Queen, riding in parades and handing out ribbons at livestock shows in several states. She attended Colorado State University where she met her future husband, Jim Norwood. They married during college, and Kay left school to join the work force at a bank in Loveland, CO. After his graduation, they moved to California for several months where she worked for a temp agency, filling various roles. They returned to Colorado and settled on the Winger Hereford Ranch, south of Yuma, CO. While there, their son Greg was born. Jim farmed for a period and they lived north of Yuma, at which time their daughter Paige as born. Kay was involved in the Yuma County Cowbells organization, eventually serving as president. In 1978, they moved to Johnson, KS, where Jim was employed at Winger Feedyard. Kay helped in the feedlot office during busy times and was always ready to ride when pasture cattle were gathered. As Greg and Paige became old enough to join 4-H, Kay helped with projects and became a club leader, as well as the horse project leader. She remained involved in Cowbells and eventually the SW Kansas Cattlewomen, holding several offices including president. When the kids reached middle school, she took on full time work as office manager for a local crop consulting firm. She was also active in the local Catholic Church, taking over the music Liturgy when the previous lady retired and moved away. In 1996, they moved to Kansas City, MO and have lived in the area since. She became involved in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City and sang in the choir until her MS made stairs difficult. She became office manager for a small firm in Platte City, working there for several years as the company grew and became a publically traded firm in the agriculture technology sector. In 2004, Jim and Kay moved to their present home north of Weston. Kay helped design the home to be accommodating for her illness and to host visits from children, grandchildren and friends. Her MS progressed causing 5 hospital visits over the past 2 years, finally entering Mosaic Life Care Hospice for her final 10 months. She was able to enjoy her home those final months. She died peacefully 12-10-2016. She was proceeded in death by her parents and by her in-laws, most of her uncles and aunts and some of her cousins. She is survived by her husband, of the home, her sister Patricia of San Jose, CA, her brother Harvey of Idalia, CO and her sister Sharon of Wray, CO, their spouses and her nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her son Greg (Tami) Norwood and grandchildren, Tatum, Braden & Chase of Arkansas City, KS, and her daughter Paige Smith and grandchildren Gavin, Gunner & Liam of Plano, TX, as well as her 2 brothers-in-law, 2 sisters-in-law, their spouses and their children. A visitation will be held 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Friday, December 16, 2016, with a 6:30 p.m. Rosary, at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Weston. Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 17 at the XII Apostles Catholic Church in Platte City. A private family inurnment will take place at the Yuma Colorado Cemetery, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be given to: National Multiple Sclerosis Society at nationalmssociety.org/donate, or to Mosaic Life Care Philanthropy—802 Riverside Rd.—Suite 100—St. Joseph, MO 64507.
Saturday, December 17, 2016
10:30 AM