Elizabeth "Kay" Wagner

A big part of our world and pieces of our hearts died when our beloved mother, sister, aunt and "Mom" to all, took her last breath on the evening of Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

Kay struggled mightily the last 8 1/2 years, after suffering a massive stroke that nearly took her life. One of the biggest things the stroke took from her was the ability to speak, and anyone who knew her knows what a challenge that was for her - one of her greatest gifts was the gift of gab.

You never had to guess where you stood with Kay, she always made her feelings very clear. That endeared her to many, but was also the match that burned a lot of bridges. One thing she was able to express over the last few years was her love for her family and appreciation for those who helped care for her. Fences were mended and wounds were healed.

Kay was born July 28, 1952 in Lansing to R. Dale and Ila Mae (Bateman) Berry Monroe.

She was married to Melvin Walter Wagner, Jr. for 42 years before his passing on May 26, 2012. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her step-father, Harold Monroe.

Kay is survived by her daughter, Twilight Summer (Jonah) Bilyea of Lake City and a granddaughter Hadley Mae. She is also survived by her sister, Joy Leland, of Lake City, her brother, Tim (Kim) Berry of Eaton Rapids, and nieces and nephews, Stephanie Guthaus (Tyler Pulido), Tate Guthaus, Harper Guthaus, and Declyn Berry, and a special cousin, Greg (Carolyn) Wagner.   

The family is planning a Celebration of Life on Saturday, November 18, 2023, from 1-4 PM at the Pioneer Township Hall, 2914 W. Moorestown Rd., Lake City, MI 49651. Please bring a side-dish to share, if you can.

Burial will take place at the Stittsville Cemetery.

Our family would like to express our great love and appreciation for Joe and The Gang at Maple Ridge for the awesome care they took of Kay during her 5 yr. stay with them and we ask that anyone who wishes, make donations to Maple Ridge Living Center, 2575 W. Houghton Lake Rd., Lake City, MI  49651

The family is being served by the Young-Holdship Funeral Home in Lake City. Words of comfort and memories may be shared on www.holdshipfuneralhomes.com.