Kay M. Stockman

Punta Gorda, FL - Kay Marie Stockman, of Lake City as well as Florida, and formerly of Muskegon, peacefully took flight on Saturday, May 16, 2026. She was 85.

Kay was born on November 10, 1940, in Frankfort, Michigan, to Dale and Evelyn (Groesser) Houghton. She grew up and attended school at Frankfort High School, graduating in 1959, then attended Muskegon Business College where she earned a certificate in clerical skills. Growing up, one of her favorite things to do was to fly in her father’s glider, high above the hills of northern Michigan.  On October 15, 1960, Kay married John W. Stockman in Frankfort. They settled in Muskegon and raised their children there. 

Kay worked for many years in the office of Unity United Methodist Church and for Sears, but was better known for the countless hours she spent babysitting children for working parents. The family traveled the country with the Maycroft Square Tappers dance troupe, and in 1976 traveled to perform in Romania.

In later years, she could often be found knitting, crocheting or quilting, gifting friends and relatives with her handmade treasures. Kay and John were known for lovingly taking in young people who needed a place to stay, and their house became a home away from home for many children. They even got a foster parents license, just in case they ever needed it. They made friends everywhere they went, and friends were always welcome at their door.  She and John were able to split time between Muskegon and Florida for 23 years, making many more friends along the way.

She is survived by her loving husband of over 65 years, John Stockman of Florida; her daughter, Sheryl (Kirk) Smith of Lake City; daughter, Jayne Cash of Florida; son, Dan (Krista) Stockman of Indiana; son, Michael (Michelle) Stockman of Muskegon; nephew, Brandon Houghton; granddaughters, Ariel (Shane) Ellinwood, Miranda Cash, Keagan Welty-Stockman, and Felicity Stockman; grandsons, Gabriel Stockman and Kieran Stockman; and great-grandson, Gavin Ellinwood.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Larry Houghton. 

Per her wishes cremation has taken place; a celebration of Kay’s life will take place at noon on July 11 at Discovering Christ Church, 2330 Holton Rd., Muskegon. Another celebration will take place in January for their dear friends in Florida. Memorial contributions may be directed to the COPD Foundation and the Beau Biden Foundation for the Protection of Children.  Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.HoldshipFuneralHomes.com  The family is being served by the Young-Holdship Funeral Home.  
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kay M. Stockman, please visit our floral store.