Kay Lorraine Jancek born August 31, 1943, to Richard Albert Rummer and Lorraine Josephine Mikkelson went to be with her Lord on September 9, 2026, from the effects of dementia shortly after celebrating her 83rd birthday. Kay is survived by her husband of 62 years, Larry Jancek, whom she married on Valentines Day 1964, her children Stephanie (Dean) Schmiedeknecht and Steven (Jennifer) Jancek, 8 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Paula Ann Eilers, her brother Richard Rummer and sister Sally Ann (Larry) Miller. Kay was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather James Patrick Lyons, brother Claude Rummer and sister in laws Patricia and Janet Rummer.

Kay was an active member of the Rothbury Community Church for over 50 years. A church friend once said that Kay's greatest spiritual gift was the gift of exhortation. Truly there isn’t a better word for her. Kay cheered her children on in every endeavor they attempted…win or lose, she was their biggest cheerleader. When grandchildren blessed her life, she really leveled up! She sported the sweatshirt, packed the snack bags and drove miles to cheer them on at every football, basketball, softball or soccer game, cross country or track meet, band concert, school or church plays, baptisms, graduations, etc. Grama Kay even showed up for the early mornings of the First Day of School! Kay cheered her family and friends on in everything they did and found so much joy just in being present and excited for whatever it was they were doing. She was also a dedicated servant at church, at home and in the community. She never visited without doing or bringing something.

Kay loved to travel, but camping in Pentwater with her sister was always her happy place, and to have her children and grandchildren and then great grandchildren share in that adventure was one of her greatest joys. Kay delighted in making big meals for her family and spending time with them. Gardening and walking the beach or the pier were where she found peace and was always finding delight in the beauty around her. It was rare indeed if something didn’t make her break into song and when she was with her sister it was almost guaranteed that the two of them would randomly start singing!

Kay will be missed by many, and all will have a few funny stories, with her as the central character, to carry them through the sad times.

A very special thank you to all the friends and family who took time to visit Kay the last couple of months. Please know that you have been an absolute blessing to our family. Thank you to the lovely staff at WLAL and especially to Hospice of Michigan for their amazing service and the care and dignity they gave Kay. It was a blessing to have peace knowing she was being cared for so well and that we had resources to help navigate in a difficult time. God is now blessed to have His biggest cheerleader in Heaven, and she is definitely finding joy in the beauty around her and looking for a lake, a Petoskey stone and a beautiful sunset.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Rothbury Community Church on Saturday, October 10th at 4:00 pm in the fellowship hall.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com