How do you sum up the person who meant the most in this world to you? You don't when Kay AKA Granny Kay is your subject. Kay was a loving, loyal granny. She was a magnanimous, protective mother. She was a thoughtful, spirited friend. She was kind and courteous to strangers. Kay had a magnetic personality that everyone, young and old, was drawn to. She lived by an honorable moral code. Kay claimed to be no saint; however, she's the closest to one we'll ever know. If she had any faults, it would be that she was selfless, too forgiving. Kay was everything… the glue, thread, and duct tape for her family. I'm quite certain if we could've cloned her this world would be a mere judicious, kinder place.

On April 15, 1936, Kay Burnelle was born to Gladys and Wilbur "Buck" Davis, on the farm south of Kensington, Kansas. She was a cherished only child. Kay claimed the only thing she wanted, but wasn't allowed to have, as a child, was red cowboy boots. It was obvious to anyone who knew Gladys and Buck where she acquired the salient traits that made her the distinguished woman she was. We can thank Buck for bestowing her belief that no child should ever be home sick or made to sit in jail.

Kay joined her many awaiting angels on December 28, 2024, at home, in the arms of her grandson, Spencer. She was 88 years old.

Kay went to Cedar Forks Country School for grades 1-8. She attended Kensington High School, graduating in May 1954.

On May 29, 1954, Kay was united in marriage to Larry Burns. To this union 4 children were born: Kent, Shane, Blake, and Lara Kay.

As a mother, Kay was unparalleled. Her love and devotion to her family was unconditional, unmatched, and unwavering. No matter the situation, if her child or grandchild needed her, she'd drop everything to be there. Kay's son, Shane, spent 3 months in Wesley Hospital recuperating from devastating injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident in the summer of 1983. Because Shane was such a prankster, the nurses didn't believe him when his leg fell out of traction at 3 a.m. Who do you think he called?  His mother who slept next door at the Wesley Inn for 3 months. She did the same for her grandson, Maleki Shane AKA "Boo" the last 2 years of his life. Lara had just opened her private practice and no longer had FMLA. Spending 2 weeks out of most months at KU Med with Boo was out of the question. Boo tried to convince Granny Kay he was old enough to go by himself, but she wouldn't hear of it. She answered many calls from county jail over the years for various kids and grandkids as well.

Kay was a stay at home mom until what they believed to be their last child, Blake started school. She then ran the Phillipsburg Chamber of Commerce for 14 years. Kansas Biggest Rodeo is the event of the year every August in Phillipsburg. Kay's bedazzled western wear for rodeo week was legendary! According to her kids, so was her hosting the rodeo queen every year. 1988 Kay received her certification in dietary management. She went to work at the Phillips County Home (Phillips County Retirement Center) as dietary manager and years later as medical clerk as well. Kay retired after 25 years in October of 2013.

Kay's passions and interests were a reflection of her vibrant spirit. Whether she was spraying musk thistle in the pasture with her grandsons, busting a move on the dance floor, hosting her bridge club, playing her part as a hassled hag or making her infamous chicken and noodles, she approached everything she did with enthusiasm and dedication.

Kay's favorite holiday was Christmas. She would literally transform her house into a Christmas paradise complete with carols resonating throughout. She made Christmas simply magical for her kids and grandkids.

Kay was strong in her faith in God. She credited her faith for giving her the strength to persevere the many hardships she faced throughout her life. One of them being, losing her son, Shane, in a hunting accident on December 15, 1983. His funeral was held three days later, the first ever in Phillipsburg on a Saturday. Kay had one of her and Shane's favorite songs, "Old Time Rock & Roll", played during the service. Playing any other than funeral hymns was unheard of in 1983. Leave it to Kay to set a trend that is now the norm.

Survivors include Kent, Beth, Joseph, Nolan, and Logan: Blake, Lorri, Cody, Chyanne, and Tyler; Lara, Glenn, Spencer, and Jaiden along with 9 great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, son, Shane, grandson, Maleki and the love of her life, Larry.

Cremation was planned.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at the First Christian Church, in Phillipsburg, Kansas, with Pastor LeRoy Herder officiating.

Friends may sign the book from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, with the family receiving friends and relatives for a visitation Thursday evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel in Phillipsburg, Kansas.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.