1944
Kay
2026
Kay Keith
April 26, 1944 — January 16, 2026
Kenosha
Kay Nina Keith passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Kay Nina Johnson was the daughter of Edward and Wyone (nee Armstrong) Johnson. Born and raised in Rockford, IL. She graduated from East High School. Soon after graduating early with honors, she married Jim Keith. Together they raised four children.
Kay cherished her children and created a loving home filled with many happy memories. She coached their softball teams, organized school fun fairs, enrolled her children in 4-H, Boy Scouts, Brownies, and swimming classes. She played card and board games, took her children and a car full of the neighborhood kids to Awanas. She also raised many litters of puppies and kittens.
Kay was so proud of her 11 grandchildren and remained involved in their lives. She was also blessed with 5 great-grandchildren. Her family was the joy of her life! However, her nurturing spirit extended far beyond her family. She was mom, friend, grandma to anyone who needed love.
She was a faithful caregiver to her mom and her husband in their final years of Alzheimer’s disease.
Kay was a passionate Chicago Bulls, Cubs, and Bears fan. She loved her job of many years as a unit secretary at Swedish American Hospital, labor and delivery floor and later in the OB outpatient clinic. She worked briefly as a cashier at Meijer foods before retiring.
Kay was beloved by all who knew her for her kindness, selflessness, and happy disposition. She made the world a better place. Her legacy of love lives on through the generations and all the countless lives she touched.
She is predeceased by in death by her husband Jim, her parents Wyone Hughes, Edward Johnson, and her brother Dean Johnson.
She will be deeply missed by her 4 children: Jeff Keith of Rockford, Julie Gallagher of Madison, WI, Kristy (Jack) Lira of Kenosha, WI, and Jason (Amy) Keith of Rockton, IL; 11 grandchildren: Jena (Jeff) Jenkins, Brandi (Brad) Beck, Joshua (Ashley) Keith, Ecijah Fenick, Hayden and Maddie Keith, Noah, Nathan, Daniel, Esaie, and Margaret Lira. They will cherish her forever.
A Celebration of life will be held in April around her 82nd birthday. Details to follow.
Kay cherished her children and created a loving home filled with many happy memories. She coached their softball teams, organized school fun fairs, enrolled her children in 4-H, Boy Scouts, Brownies, and swimming classes. She played card and board games, took her children and a car full of the neighborhood kids to Awanas. She also raised many litters of puppies and kittens.
Kay was so proud of her 11 grandchildren and remained involved in their lives. She was also blessed with 5 great-grandchildren. Her family was the joy of her life! However, her nurturing spirit extended far beyond her family. She was mom, friend, grandma to anyone who needed love.
She was a faithful caregiver to her mom and her husband in their final years of Alzheimer’s disease.
Kay was a passionate Chicago Bulls, Cubs, and Bears fan. She loved her job of many years as a unit secretary at Swedish American Hospital, labor and delivery floor and later in the OB outpatient clinic. She worked briefly as a cashier at Meijer foods before retiring.
Kay was beloved by all who knew her for her kindness, selflessness, and happy disposition. She made the world a better place. Her legacy of love lives on through the generations and all the countless lives she touched.
She is predeceased by in death by her husband Jim, her parents Wyone Hughes, Edward Johnson, and her brother Dean Johnson.
She will be deeply missed by her 4 children: Jeff Keith of Rockford, Julie Gallagher of Madison, WI, Kristy (Jack) Lira of Kenosha, WI, and Jason (Amy) Keith of Rockton, IL; 11 grandchildren: Jena (Jeff) Jenkins, Brandi (Brad) Beck, Joshua (Ashley) Keith, Ecijah Fenick, Hayden and Maddie Keith, Noah, Nathan, Daniel, Esaie, and Margaret Lira. They will cherish her forever.
A Celebration of life will be held in April around her 82nd birthday. Details to follow.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kay Keith, please visit our flower store.
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