Ann M. Kay

Ann Kay, age 74, passed from this life on August 24, 2024, in Abilene, Texas. She was born August 31, 1949, to James Leonard Allen and Polly Cantrell Allen of Austin, Texas.  In 1966, her family moved from Austin to Bertram, Texas, where she lived for most of her adult life. Ann married John E. Kay, on November 3, 1967, and they had three children, John, Wendy, and Theresa. During their marriage, they lived many different places including Kansas, Louisiana, and Germany.  Ann also resided in Abilene, Texas, two different times, but Bertram, Texas, was always home.

Ann was a natural caregiver, so it was a perfect fit for her to become a nurse. She worked as a nurse in Burnet, Texas, at Seton for many years, and she also served the residents at the Bertram Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center as well. When her children were students at Abilene Christian University, she moved to Abilene, and worked as a nurse for the university. Ann returned to Bertram when Wendy and Theresa completed their time at ACU.  She returned to Seton and continued her work as a nurse until she retired. Through her time as a nurse, Ann was a beloved caregiver and co-worker who touched the lives of countless people.

Ann was a three time cancer survivor.  Although the battles with cancer were painful and extremely difficult, Ann’s positive attitude never wavered, and she remained more concerned about her loved ones than herself.  She was an excellent example of a faithful woman of God.

Ann was a very talented seamstress, and in later years, she was able to work on her sewing craft. She began making hand-crafted items for the grandkids including bowl warmers and beautiful quilts. Ann's life was like those beautiful items that she made. The roles she had were like the patterns on those quilts. As a daughter and sister, she was the heart of her family, sharing love and laughter with everyone. As a mom, Nana, and great-grandmother, her nurturing spirit has shaped generations, leaving an indelible mark on each person she touched. A survivor, Ann Kay's strength and resilience carried her through life’s challenges, standing tall in the face of adversity. Yet, most importantly, she was a devoted child of God, her faith guiding every step and bringing light to all who know her.

If you spent time with Ann, you could feel her positive attitude and her love for God. She spent time in Bible study every day, and she always praised the Lord for the many gifts he gave her instead of being bitter for the things she did not have or the trials that she faced.

Ann is preceded in death by her father, James Leonard Allen, her mother, Polly Cantrell Allen, her sister, Carol Bird, her brother, Eddie Allen, her brother-in-law, Robert Crawford, her sister-in-law, Marlene Allen and her sister-in-law, Rhonda Allen.

Ann is survived by her son, John Kay and daughter-in-law, Linda, of Hutto, Texas; her daughter Wendy Jones and son-in-law, Michael, of Abilene, Texas; and her daughter Theresa Robles and son-in-law, Nick, of Burnet, Texas. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, Makayla Kerrigan and husband, Keaton, of Abilene, Texas; Gabby Robles of Burnet, Texas; Thomas Kay and partner, Erin, of Lubbock, Texas; Matthew Jones of Abilene, Texas; Madison Jones of Plano, Texas; Daniel Kay and wife, Maddie, of Lubbock, Texas; Hannah Kay of Lubbock, Texas; Olivia Robles, and Gideon Robles both of Burnet, Texas. Ann is also survived by her first great- grandchild, Gentry Kay, of Lubbock, Texas. She is also survived by her brother, Jimmy Allen, Jr, and two sisters, Pat Jackson and Sandra Crawford all of Bertram, as well as many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Ann’s legacy will live on in the lives of so many that she touched.

A celebration of life will be held at the Bertram Church of Christ on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 1:30 pm.  August 31st would have been Ann’s 75th birthday.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to a cause that was very dear to Ann’s heart: Seton Kids Care-A-Van at P.O. Box 1219, Burnet, Tx 78611.