Kay Allene Mehlisch

MEHLISCH Kay Allene (Premoe) Mehlisch, 73, passed away Thursday, June 14 at Kansas City Hospice. She was born August 10, 1938 in Lansing, Michigan, the daughter of Earl (Lefty) Premoe and Martha (Schmidt) Premoe. Kay lived her early life in Lansing, graduating from Eastern High School in 1956. She then attended Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa and finished her education at Michigan State College with a degree in home economics. A lifelong member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Community of Christ), she met her husband David Mehlisch, a young Air Force dental officer, at that denomination's World Conference in April 1960. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married in August 1960 and enjoyed nearly 52 years of marriage. Following David's military commit- ment, the pair settled in Gaylord, Michigan. Kay taught home economics in Vanderbilt, Michigan for a year and then transitioned into the role of a housewife and mother. In the early 1970's, she returned to the workforce after completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek, Michigan. Kay then began her thirty year career as a registered nurse serving in the areas of intensive care, home health, medical research and school nursing before her retirement. Kay was a wonderful care giver and truly enjoyed working in a field that allowed her to minister to the physical needs of others. Additional examples of her service to others were her acting as the camp nurse for Camp Quality in Michigan, a summer camp for children with severe health problems, participation in three health missions to Honduras with her denomination's medical/dental association and volunteer work at the public library and hospital in Ft. Myers, Florida. Following their retirement, Kay and Dave split their time between summers in Edwardsville, Illinois and Independence, Missouri and winters in Fort Myers, Florida. As a part of her membership in the RLDS (Community of Christ) faith, she served as women's leader, camp nurse, water safety instructor, camp counselor and co-director of youth camps in northern Michigan before being ordained as a priest which allowed her additional avenues of ministry. Kay was a wonderful hostess and loved to entertain the many visitors to her home. She loved traveling and spending time with family, friends and especially her two granddaughters who were her pride and joy. Kay is survived by her husband of 51 years, Dr. David Mehlisch of Independence, Missouri and Ft. Myers, Florida; her brother and sister-in-law David and Deborah Premoe of Okemos, Michigan; her sister and brother-in-law Diane and Gary Figg of Bradenton, Florida; her daughter and son-in-law Ann and James McCune of Abilene, Texas; her son and daughter-in-law Scott and Michelle Britton-Mehlisch of Lee's Summit, Missouri and her two granddaughters, Meg and Katie Britton-Mehlisch. She is also survived by four nieces and eight nephews. A memorial service will be held Monday, June 18 at 7:00 p.m. at the Beacon Heights Community of Christ church, 19402 E. Holke Rd., Independence, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Assistance International, 140 W. Sea Ave., Independence, Missouri 64050. (Arr: Church Funeral Associates, Mission KS 913-789-9600)