Kay King, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and faithful servant of Christ, went home to be with the Lord on July 23rd, 2025 with her loving husband by her side.
Kay was born on April 16, 1942 to Charles (Bud) and Mae Keffeler. She was the third of four children, joining her big sister Darleen and big brother Duane, and later welcoming her little brother Roger to complete the family.
From an early age, Kay displayed a remarkable gift for music. At just five years old, she taught herself to play the piano by ear. Her mother would turn on the radio, open the windows, and let little Kay’s fingers dance across the keys for all to hear—including her father working outside. Though she was shy about playing in front of others, that changed when a local piano player couldn’t make it to a dance due to a snowstorm. At only eight years old, Kay played her first dance and never stopped blessing others with her music from that day forward.
On August 26, 1962, Kay married the love of her life, Burney “De” King. Together, they built a home filled with love, music, and laughter. Kay taught at Plainview, Sunny Slope and Metagoshe for five years before stepping into the calling she cherished most—motherhood. Through the blessing of adoption, she and De welcomed three beautiful children into their hearts: Gayle, Gene, and Glen. Her children were the light of her life, and she was the picture of an involved, attentive, and prayerful mother.
Kay’s love for others extended far beyond her home. She poured herself into her community, generously giving her time and talents to organizations such as the Marcus Sunbeams for Rural Life Sunday, the Wildcats 4-H Club, Vacation Bible School, mock weddings, and countless piano lessons for country kids. Her music filled churches, reception halls, and hearts alike, as she played for the Marcus Presbyterian Church and at numerous weddings, funerals, and Christmas programs. Her signature piano style was instantly recognizable—a sound that brought comfort and joy wherever it was heard.
When she became a grandmother, her heart grew even more. Her grandchildren were her greatest delight, and she made sure each one knew how deeply they were loved. From sweet treats and piano singalongs to phone calls and proud smiles from the crowd, Grandma Kay was always there—offering encouragement, celebrating every milestone, and creating memories that will be cherished for generations.
To know Kay was to be loved by her. She didn’t have acquaintances—no, Kay had loved ones. If you were fortunate enough to meet her, even for five minutes, you can be sure she prayed for you. More than likely, she also wrote your birthday on her calendar and remembered you with a kind word, a handwritten card, or a faithful prayer.
Though she has left this earthly life, her legacy of faith, compassion, prayer, and the unmistakable sound of her music lives on in the many lives she touched. We rejoice in knowing she is now playing for the King of Kings, with the same gentle hands and joyful heart she used to serve others here on Earth.
Kay is lovingly survived by her husband of 62 years, Burney (De) King; daughter Gayle (Troy) Roth; son Gene King; and son Glen (Elke) King. She was a proud and deeply devoted grandmother to Alan (Hayley) Roth, Heaven Fink, KayDe (Marco) Marolt, Cashley King, and Koyle King; and a joyful great-grandmother to Zayden, Amara, Nazareth, Kyiah and Rose.
She is also survived by her dear sister, Darleen Simons; brother, Duane Keffeler; and sister-in-law, Diane Keffeler, as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins who each held a special place in her heart.
Kay was welcomed into heaven by her parents, Charles (Bud) and Mae Keffeler; her brother, Roger Keffeler; brother-in-law, Chick Simons; sister-in-law, Sharon Keffeler; brother-in-law Donn King; sister-in-law Mary Lou King; father-in-law Elmer King; and mother-in-law Marguerite King.
