"My mother, Kay Stephan, lived according to the guidance shared in Micah 6:8: Act justly. Live kindly. Walk humbly with God. From the beginning, she was small in stature, but mighty in spirit. She was hardworking, bright, talented, and fun loving in all she did -- from early-morning paper routes and dancing on roller skates as a youth to partnering with her husband to start a business and being a good neighbor to all. All her life, her strong work ethic, integrity, and gregarious caring nature served her and others well in her varied roles as daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, community member, and trusted friend. She had a beautiful smile and a beautiful soul, and she brightened so many lives. My cousin Paul commented that my mom was "one of the last truly authentic people in the world" he knew. She was one of a kind -- the real deal -- and her mighty spirit lives on. You always have been and will continue to be my North Star. Love you always, Mom. Susan"
In loving memory of
Kay M. Stephan
September 3, 1936 - July 29, 2025
Kay Stephan
September 3, 1936 - July 29, 2025
Kay Maxine (Summerville) Stephan, formerly of Ames, Iowa, passed away on July 29, 2025, in Bigfork, Montana. Kay was born on September 3, 1936, to Robert and Maxine Summerville in Odebolt, Iowa. As a child, she played the saxophone in the marching band, played the piano, and enjoyed roller skating. It was at a dance at Cobblestone Ballroom in Storm Lake, Iowa where Kay met her future husband, Corwin. They were married in 1961 and continued to enjoy evenings out dancing for many years. In 1964, they moved from Storm Lake to Ames where they raised their family. Together, Corwin and Kay started C&K Heating and Cooling in 1968.
Through the years, Corwin and Kay enjoyed traveling on many fun trips together. They wintered in Sun Lakes, Arizona for 19 years. As avid ISU fans, they loved tailgating and attending ISU football and basketball games. She cherished the holidays, especially Christmas, and enjoyed hosting dinners and cocktail parties.
Kay never knew a stranger and made others feel special and cared for. She was a faithful friend to many and a kind and generous soul. She was devoted to, and well loved, by her parents, husband, children and grandchildren. A well-known dog lover, Kay was also dedicated to many family pets through the years, especially her beloved miniature Dachshunds.
Kay belonged to the Ames Homebuilders Auxiliary and Chapter LN PEO. She and Corwin served as Deacons at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Ames.
Kay is dearly missed by her daughter, Susan Holloway (Dave); son, Steve Stephan (Sonja); sister, Judy Summerville; two nieces; a nephew; four grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband Corwin on June 26.
A gathering visitation will be 4-6:00 p.m. with a service to follow on Wednesday, August 6, at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames. A graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 7, at Odebolt Cemetery, Odebolt, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Story County Animal Shelter 975 W. Lincoln Way, Nevada, Iowa 50201.
Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Tributes
"Susan and Steven, I am so sorry for your loss. Kay was like a second mother to us growing up. One of my fondest memories was Kay, Sandra and Mom laughing and giggling in the kitchen. When Mom went into labor with to have our brother, we went to Kay and Corwin's home to stay overnight. She got all us kids ready and made sure we made it to school the next day. Kay went with me to Des Moines to help me find a wedding dress in 1980, when Mom couldn't come back to help me, after they moved to Arizona. We had the best time and had lunch together afterwards. She was a great mother and wonderful friend to our mother. She and Corwin even made it to Arizona in time to say goodbye to mom before she passed. I will miss Kay and cherish the time I had with her. "
"Kay was a breath of fresh air every time I saw her. She loved to shop, and Corwin was always patient sitting in the car tending to the dogs that always travelled with them! Kay loved finding treasures for her friends from Ames I loved the stories they'd tell of their adventures making their dreams come true. They loved Bigfork and having Stephen & Sonja close. One of many memories is having an 85th birthday luncheon for her she was dressed to the nines as always. She was a good sport about moving to Prestige we made sure she had the right sweater for the ugly sweater Christmas party. They were truly a blessing in my life never to be forgotten."