Kay L. Crain

Kay Crain was a passionate, caring and determined woman who dedicated her life to her family and to helping others. The common threads throughout her tapestry of life were her thoughtful words, her selfless deeds, and her compassionate spirit, but it was her tender heart that knew no bounds and set her apart from the rest. For Kay, family was the greatest source of happiness in her life, while being a grandmother was simply one of lifes greatest gifts. Those Kay leaves behind will consider themselves blessed for having been given such an extraordinary woman to have been touched by. In 1937, the United States was just beginning to surface from the effects of the Great Depression. While President Franklin D. Roosevelt continued to enact his domestic reform program, the New Deal, political conflicts in Europe were also making headlines, and within two years World War II would escort a new generation of men into the horrors of battle. Despite the unrest in the world, for Noel Alvin Cummer and his wife, Mabel Lucille (Marsh), of Jackson, Michigan, it was a time of great joy as they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Kay, on July 9, 1937. Kay was the second youngest of four children: Dee Ann, Robert, Kay and Kenneth. She led a typical childhood of the time, growing up in Jackson, where her father worked as a printer at the Jackson Citizen Patriot for 45 years. Kay received her education in the Jackson area schools and graduated from East Jackson High in 1955. Shortly after, Kays life took a new direction when she was introduced to Eddie Crain through his nephew, Jim Jr. While working in Jackson, Eddie stayed at his brother, Jim Sr.s house and that was how he met Kay. What began as love at first sight blossomed into true love and after dating for a time, Kay and Eddie were married in the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Albion, Indiana on December 8, 1956. It wasnt long before the happy couple filled their hearts and home with the joy of four children: Vicki Lynn, Kevin Ray, Gary (who died at birth), and Dean Noel. Having a strong family was always important to Kay, and she devoted herself to raising her children well. She taught them good habits and strong values that would guide them through their lives, while sharing much love and laughter. Later in life, when Kay was blessed with nine grandchildren, she poured the same amount of love into these relationships as she did with her own children. Kay adored her grandkids and devoted every moment she could to them. She did not miss one track meet, football, basketball or t-ball game her grandkids were in. With her video camera in hand, Kay cheered them on at every event. Besides being a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Kay generously gave of her time and talents volunteering at the Isabella County Child Development Center Thrift Shop for 42 years. She gave her all in helping the shop succeed, which in turn helped those in the community. Her kindness, in all its forms, touched peoples hearts and encouraged them to better their lives. Nothing made Kay happier than to spend time with family. She had a great sense of humor, which was needed when her side of the family got together and some good old bantering went back and forth. One of Kays favorite holidays for get-togethers was on the Fourth of July when she and Eddie hosted a fabulous barbeque at their house for as many as 60 people. Outside of family, Kay had many activities she enjoyed that kept her busy in her leisure time. For many years, Kay was an avid bowler as well as secretary of the Alley Breakers league and an inductee in the Mount Pleasant Bowlers Hall of Fame. She also enjoyed being involved in youth bowling. When Kay couldnt bowl anymore, she turned to playing computer games and an occasional visit to the casino. In her quieter moments, Kay kept her hands busy crocheting countless afghans and baby blankets. So much so, she had to give it up because she wore out the cartilage in her thumbs. Kay was a loving, caring wife, and mother, who absolutely adored her grandchildren. She will be missed dearly by her family and friends. Kay Crain, 75, of Mt. Pleasant, MI passed away on Thursday, September 20, 2012, at home, with her family by her side. Her funeral will be held at noon on Monday, September 24, at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home, 2300 S. Lincoln Road, with Tom Dennis of Mt. Pleasant Community Church officiating. Cremation will follow and her ashes will be interred at Riverside Cemetery at a later date. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Isabella County Child Development Center (ICDC-Thrift Store), Woodland Hospice, or Central Michigan Pregnancy Service. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Kay is survived by her husband of nearly 56 years, Eddie; three children, Vicki (Thomas) Hunt of Sacramento, CA, Kevin (Janice) Crain of Mt. Pleasant, and Dean Crain of Lake Isabella; nine grandchildren: Devin and Patrick Hunt, Brandon and Ryan Crain, Kyle and Brittany VanDenbrooks, and Corbin Crain, and Justinn and Jordann Panella; siblings, Dee Ann Moon of Jackson and Kenneth Butch (Susan) Cummer of Jackson; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her infant son, Gary; and her brother, Robert.