Deidra Kay Varvel

Born April 3, 1947 in Iola, Kansas, Deidra Kay (Hair) Varvel - commonly and affectionately known as “Kay” - was the only child of Harold Hair and Lucille Kersey Kinkead Hair. She was proud to have grown up working a farm along the Neosho River in the rural community of LeRoy in Eastern Kansas.

.Kay’s passion for her community started as a young Girl Scout and saxophone player, eventually getting selected as the drum major for her high school band. She enjoyed going to church on Sundays and shopping with her Grandma Grace

.Kay graduated from LeRoy High School in 1965 and went to Iola Junior College for a year before joining her high school sweetheart, Keith Varvel, at Kansas State College in Pittsburg, Kansas. While studying there she was an active member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority and the Commander of the all female 7th Cavets precision drill team.

On February 4, 1968, Keith and Kay were married at the chapel on campus. As Keith pursued his career as an Army Officer and physical therapist, Kay lovingly dedicated her time toward raising the couple’s children: Keely, born in 1969; Kasey, born in 1972; Kyle, born in 1975; and Kody, born in 1978.

During those years, Kay also finished her bachelors degree in Recreational Therapy and graduated from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas in 1974. Keith transferred from the Army to the US Public Health Service and his new position gave the family the opportunity to start new adventures in Miami, Florida; Gallup, New Mexico; and ultimately settling in Tuba City, Arizona in 1979. Along the way, Kay continued building relationships and being a positive impact on her community. Eventually Arizona became home as Keith and Kay found they loved the Southwest and living on the Navajo Nation.

Kay spent much of her time in Tuba City volunteering with local youth activities, especially with the high school marching band where she coached the flag drill team. She also worked part-time as a teacher with the Junior-ROTC program.

Kay’s love of music and mentoriship led to her leading the music ministry of St. Jude’s’s Catholic Parish in Tuba City for many years. She played guitar and directed the music group at Mass every weekend. She also directed many wonderful Christmas and Easter holiday programs and taught the Parish’s CCD (religious education) program for children.

 Kay's compassion did not stop with her community and children. She was also an avid lover of animals and cherished many pets throughout her life from the time she was a young child on the farm to her death. A beloved animal was always at her feet. She was a supporter of numerous animal rescues and shelters.

 When their children were grown, Keith and Kay moved to Flagstaff where they lived for many years. Kay enjoyed her hobbies of country and western music and dancing and traveling with Keith around the country and world, most often to visit their children and grandchildren. She would frequently commemorate her trips with a new tattoo. She was an avid fan of professional bull riding (PBR). In retirement, Kay also spent time researching her family’s Scottish heritage and attending Highland Games and festivals

. When Kay’s health began to decline due to her lung disease, Kay and Keith moved first to Lake Havasu City and then Casa Grande to be at a lower elevation and closer to their children.

Kay was a woman of deep faith, devoted to the Blessed Mother Mary. She credited a trip to Lourdes, France for giving her the strength to persevere through many medical challenges in her final years, exceeding all expectations. Kay passed away peacefully on September 21, 2024 in Phoenix, surrounded by her husband and many beloved family members.

Kay was the matriarch of a large family whom she loved dearly. She is survived by her husband, four children, six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Visitation Friday October 4th, 2024 8:00a.m; Rosary Prayer Service 8:30a.m and Funeral Mass 9:00a.m all at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 201 N. Picacho Street, Casa Grande.  Interment to follow at 12:00 noon in Holy Hope Catholic Cemetery, 3555 N. Oracle Road, Tucson.