KAY HAGAN

1953 - 2019

KAY HAGAN obituary, 1953-2019, Lakeland, IL

KAY HAGAN Obituary

KAY RUTHVEN HAGAN, 66

GREENSBORO, N.C. - Kay Ruthven Hagan, 66, passed away peacefully at her home in Greensboro the morning of October 28, 2019.
Janet Kay Ruthven was born on May 26, 1953, in Shelby, NC, to Jeanette Chiles Ruthven and Joe P. Ruthven. Her parents met at the University of South Carolina. Her father, the first in his family to attend college, served in the Navy during World War II, then moved the family to Lakeland, FL where he turned a warehouse for his tires into a real estate warehousing business and served as Mayor of Lakeland.
Kay grew up an avid dancer, helping choreograph and perform in the grand opening of Disney World in 1971. She graduated from Lakeland High School and attended Florida State University where she studied ballet and received her bachelor's degree in American Studies. After a semester interning on Capitol Hill for her late uncle, Lawton Chiles, former US Senator and Governor of Florida, she was drawn to pursue a law degree. She enrolled at Wake Forest University where she met her husband of 41 years, Charles T. Hagan III (Chip). They married on December 27, 1977 in Lakeland, FL during Christmas break of her final year. She and her family still laugh at the bridesmaid dresses done in Christmas plaid. Kay received her JD from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1978.
Kay and Chip moved to his hometown of Greensboro, where she worked for a decade in the trust and private bank divisions of North Carolina National Bank (now Bank of America) before leaving to focus on her three children. She found a passion in fundraising for various non-profits in the Greensboro community. She volunteered for Governor Jim Hunt's 1992 and 1996 gubernatorial campaigns, serving as his Guilford County chair. In 1998, he encouraged her successful run for the North Carolina Senate, where she defeated her first incumbent.
While in Raleigh she worked tirelessly for Guilford County, rising to become one of the chairs of the powerful Appropriations Committee. Kay passed bills to create a financial literacy curriculum for North Carolina schools, to provide funding to test a backlog of rape kits, and to secure the High Point Furniture Market's place as an economic engine for the state.
She balanced her work in Raleigh with her commitments at home, making it back for soccer games and carpools on Fridays so as not to miss out on the latest tween scoop. She was always sure to fit in her 3 hour 'meetings' with the BBC (no, not that one, but the affectionately termed 'Breakfast Biscuit Club'), a group of women who remained dear to her throughout her life.
In 2007 she initially turned down requests to run for the United States Senate. Persuaded by her children that she could make a difference for the entire nation, she reconsidered. Her whole family volunteered on her campaign, each logging hundreds of hours in the car across North Carolina's 100 counties. She emerged victorious in 2008, unseating another incumbent to become North Carolina's first female Democratic Senator.
During her tenure in the US Senate, Kay served on the Armed Services Committee where she chaired the Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee; the Banking Committee; the Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) Committee where she chaired the Family and Children's Services Subcommittee; and the Small Business Committee.
Coming from a proud military family herself, she was especially proud of her work with military families. Most notably she introduced and passed a bipartisan bill to provide healthcare for military families exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and worked with Senator John McCain to save a tuition assistance program for military spouses. She touted NC's strong military record and visited with troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan 3 times. Other proud moments include passing the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, the Affordable Care Act, and standing up to support marriage equality.
She wanted the hallmark and legacy of her Senate tenure to be constituent service. Her office assisted thousands of North Carolinians in working through the federal bureaucracy to adopt children, reunite families, assist with keeping families in homes due to mortgage and foreclosure problems, and many other issues.
She was especially proud of her efforts to bring people from both parties together. She hosted small dinners at her home in DC, where Democrats and Republicans would enjoy a meal together. They would talk about their families, inspirations, and dreams. While Kay made it a point to visit people across all 100 counties in North Carolina and understand their concerns, she also understood the importance of building strong relationships with all the people she worked with in order to find common ground.
Kay was honored to have so many young people dedicate their time and service to her campaigns and Senate office. She felt a strong responsibility to help each one grow and develop as a person and in their career, treating everyone like part of her family. She modeled a balance of kindness, respect, and strength.
She was particularly passionate about building up women in the workforce and public service. Kay asked each young girl she encountered to consider one day running for office and to make a difference in the world.
In 2015, she was invited to become a Fellow at the Harvard Institute of Politics, where she taught a seminar on Money in Politics, post Citizens United. She was a life-long student and cherished the opportunity to spend time with students, seeking to inspire them to public service.
In late 2015, Kay joined the law firm of Akin Gump as a Senior Policy Consultant and sought to advise their clients on public policy issues. During this period, without the demands of a Senate schedule, she enjoyed spending even more time with her family. She loved picking her grandkids up early from daycare and taking them to the park, library, or Greensboro Science Center. She had a love of yoga, pilates, being outdoors, and anything involving family.
While hiking with her family on Thanksgiving Day, 2016, Kay was bitten by a tick carrying the Powassan Virus, which manifested in a viral encephalitis two weeks later. Her family is thankful for the treatment she received at MedStar Hospital in DC, UNC-Chapel Hill Hospital, and the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, a specialty brain injury rehab facility. The family will be forever grateful for the friends and family that hosted and visited us during the 9 months away from home and the incredible care provided to her by the therapists and doctors at the Shepherd Center.
Kay returned to Greensboro in September 2017 and began outpatient therapy to facilitate her continued recovery. She loved being home. She made progress toward regaining her ability to walk and talk, but also experienced many setbacks. She began focusing on enjoying and celebrating her life as it was. While she had very limited mobility and difficulty speaking, her cognition was strong. She loved staying up to date on the latest news around the world, and just around the corner. Kay's face lit up whenever an old friend or a grandchild entered the room. There was understanding in her eyes and you could see her joy radiate.
Her final week was spent enjoying life. Chip's 50th UNC reunion, an event where she and Chip kicked off fundraising for ArtsGreensboro as Honorary Co-Chairs of the Arts Fund, a wedding with longtime friends, and even a private meeting with her former colleague, Joe Biden.
We'd like to thank the many nurses, therapists, doctors, caregivers and friends who worked with Kay during her recovery here in the Triad, especially Lesa Edwards, Kay's caregiver for the last 2 years, who became extended family and one of Kay's best friends.
In addition to her husband, Kay is survived by her three children, Jeanette Hagan, her husband Martin Wipf and their 2 children (Houston, TX); C. Tilden Hagan IV (Durham, NC); and Carrie Hagan Stewart, her husband William H. Stewart III and their 3 children (Greensboro, NC); her father, Joe P. Ruthven; her brothers, Joe L. Ruthven and his wife Karen and Greg Ruthven and his wife Kim; along with many extended nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by her mother, Jeanette C. Ruthven in 1982. Her stepmother of 33 years, Judy Ruthven, also passed away on Monday, shortly before Kay.
A celebration of her life will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro at 2:00 pm on Sunday, November 3rd. A reception will follow in the Mullin Life Center at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Women To Women Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro or the ArtsGreensboro Arts Fund.
Online memories may be made through www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.

Published by The Ledger from Nov. 1 to Nov. 2, 2019.
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Memories and Condolences
for KAY HAGAN

Not sure what to say?





God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's...My condolence...

November 25, 2019

A very dedicated and strong lady who will be surely missed my deepest sympathy to the Hagan family may the words of Psalms 94:19 bring comfort "when anxieties overwhelmed me you comforted and soothed me"

Kay

November 14, 2019

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

November 13, 2019

Matthew McGuire

November 6, 2019

My condolences to the family of Senator Kay Hagan for your loss.

November 4, 2019

My Condolences.

November 4, 2019

May God be with the Hagan Family,truly sorry for your loss.

November 4, 2019

Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. May your treasured memories of Kay always fill your heart with love and peace

November 3, 2019

Kay's loss is so very hard on so many. It was my very good fortune to have befriended her after knowing her uncle in Florida. She graciously invited me to be her guest at that special evening in DC when Doris Kearns Godwin was our dinner partner before her presentation. I had looked forward to becoming good friends and ask her family accept my deepest condolences and sorrows. We have all benefitted from, and honor her public service, and we all suffer her loss.
Jeffrey Barker
Washington

November 1, 2019

It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.

Nell and James Richardson

October 31, 2019

I send sincere condolences to the family. Your loved one will be missed. May God comfort you at this time as he cares for you.

Mary Smith

October 31, 2019

My Sincere Condolences, family and friends
May God bring everlasting comfort, to you and
The ones that holds a special place in your love
Ones heart and give you the strength to endure
This difficult time. 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17.-18

October 31, 2019

My condolences goes out to the family and friends of Senator Kay Hagan in this difficult times.

New York

October 31, 2019

My condolences go out to the family of Kay Hagan.

Lee Roy

October 31, 2019

My deepest condolences to the family and friends may the God of all comfort grant you peace and understanding during your time of sorrow.

October 31, 2019

Very sad Sending my prays and wishes

October 31, 2019

Senator Hagan was a wonderful person who cared so deeply about her state and her country. She will be missed by so many. May she rest in everlasting peace.

JB

October 31, 2019

She stood for women in her position, Now who's going to do it? Prayers to her family

October 30, 2019

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Thank You Mrs. Hagan for all you done

Portia Bailey

October 30, 2019

So very sad to hear this news. May the Hagan Family be comforted by the God of tender mercies with love and peace and strengthened by His arm of support as you cope with the loss in your life.

BRY

October 30, 2019

Our sincere condolences to the Hagan Family. May the God of all comfort provide you all the strength to cope with your loss.

October 30, 2019

Please accept my condolences for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you during this time of sorrow.

Kj

October 30, 2019

Evelyn Withers

October 30, 2019

Alishia

October 30, 2019

Peace.

Glen James Hausfeld

October 30, 2019

Sending prayers for comfort to the Chiles and other family members.Kay lived a life of caring for others.

Barbara and Tom Richards

Friend

October 30, 2019

My deepest sympathy to the Hagan family.
Ms Hagen served NC and our country well
and honorably. God Bless

Steve Ashley

October 30, 2019

Sending comforting words and prayers to the family of Kay Hagan. She promoted equality and fairness for all. Also, a great example and role model for the dignity of women. Kay is resting in Gods memory. Please accept my sincere condolences.

JE Sowell

October 30, 2019

Thank you for serving your country Senator! What a difficult role you took on! Fair winds on your new journey!

Karen Wilson

October 30, 2019

My family was with Senator Hagan at Vice President Bidens fundraise Sunday night. She still had a desire to be engaged as her health had declined. We appreciate her leadership to our state and country. Thank you for your dedication to pubic service.

Donald Rains

Friend

October 30, 2019

Ann Stokman

October 30, 2019

...Sen. Hagan was the embodiment of honesty and integrity. May Peace Be Unto You & Yours.

Corey Mathis

October 30, 2019

Sen Kay Hagen
Was a treasure for the state of North Carolina,
And she loved what she did fighting for her constituents. And doing her job. She's a huge loss to North Carolina, and the country.
Condolences to the Kagan Family.
RIP
Great Lady.

Maryann Cawley

October 29, 2019

To Mrs Hagan I offer my sincere sympathy for your loss. I know the family is so proud of the many accomplishments Mrs Hagan has made. Prayers of comfort to the family.

H

October 29, 2019

In Memory

Khris Covey

October 29, 2019

Thank you for sharing Senator Hagan with us.Our state was a better place with her much dedication.i was privileged to met her on several occasions,always wanting to hear more her and her love for out state. The one thing I was struck with her personal side her eyes lit up when talking about family and her dogs.
When the dark days set in reach for the good times for comfort.
Go rest High Senator Hagan you've earned a front seat in heaven. We will keep your memory alive by showing love,kindness and love for everyone.

Khris Covey

October 29, 2019

My condolences to the family of Kay Hagan I am sorry for your great loss.

October 29, 2019

Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Hagan. May the God of all comfort grant each of you His peace.

October 29, 2019

You Go Girl ! RIP !
Sue W.Gr Mich .

October 29, 2019

I met Kay here in Chapel Hill at an event some time ago. In person, she was memorable. In a positive way, (unlike some who choose politics as a career). I corresponded with her staff a number of times related to specific issues. Kay's warmth and accessibility will remain in my heart always.
I am saddened by her passing, and can only hope that over time, joyful memories will ease the pain her family, friends, and staff are feeling now.

Carolyn Schuft

Acquaintance

October 29, 2019

Dear Hagan Family Rory and I would luv to express our condolences's on the loss of Kay Hagan.she'll surely be missed very very much.and may she rest in peace.luv,faith/rory

faith/rory tobin/dockett

October 29, 2019

We lost a fine woman ,may God bless her family . Kay was a wonderful senator.

October 29, 2019

I am sorry for your loss expected or not; it is still a great loss and a hurtful one for her family and friends.

My prayers are with each of you during this difficult time.

May God grant you peace, comfort, and strength when you need them most only He can give.

Cheryl Landin

October 29, 2019

A wonderful woman who's service to the state of NC will always be remembered. As a native and long time resident of NC, thank you to her family for sharing her with us all.

Sheila Ingle

October 29, 2019

To the family,

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. May the God of all comfort be with you.

V M

Neighbor

October 29, 2019

RIP Ms Hagan, your last few years have been a hard journey for you but you filled it with grace and tenacity. Thank you for all you have done for the betterment of the people of North Carolina. To family, friends, and colleagues, sincere condolences on the loss of this truly inspiring and amazing woman.

P.

October 29, 2019

To the family of Kay Hagan: I offer my deepest sympathy for your loss. May God comfort you and give you peace during this most difficult time.

DL

Neighbor

October 29, 2019

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