Kay Farr

02/24/1936 - 09/05/2025

Kay Cougill Farr passed away peacefully on September 5, 2025, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, surrounded by her family. She was 89 years old.
Kay was born on February 24, 1936, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Victor and Thelma Cougill. In 1939, the family moved to Kirkwood, Missouri where Kay blossomed. She graduated from Kirkwood High School where she was the homecoming queen, a cheerleader, and editor of the yearbook. Kay later attended the University of Missouri, joining the Phi Beta Phi Sorority, and earning a B.A. in speech therapy.
In the summer of 1957, Kay married the love of her life, William S. Farr. Together they built a beautiful life filled with love, devotion, and laughter. While Bill completed his law degree at the University of Michigan, they welcomed their first child, Gregory. After settling in Grand Rapids, Kay and Bill's family grew with the births of their daughters, Sherie and Cindy.
Kay dedicated her professional life to helping children find their voices as a speech pathologist. She worked part-time with Grand Rapids Public Schools while raising her family and later worked full-time with the Grand Rapids Christian Schools until her retirement in 1996.
Faith was at the center of Kay's life. She and her family were longtime members of Eastminster Presbyterian Church where she joyfully served on committees, taught Vacation Bible School, participated in women's bible studies, and sang in the choir.
Her servant's heart extended into the wider community, as well. Kay gave her time generously to Meals on Wheels, Degage Ministries, Mary Martha Circle, Women Who Care, and to serving on the board at Porter Hills.
Kay was a voracious reader, a devoted bridge player, and a crossword puzzle enthusiast. She enjoyed long walks, spirited tennis matches, cheering on her favorite teams, and traveling the world with family and friends.
Yet, above all her many roles and accomplishments, Kay's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was simply "Nana", a source of endless love, wisdom, and warmth.
Kay was the heart of her family, the steady center who led with kindness and grace. Her legacy of love will continue to guide all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Kay is survived by her three children: Greg (Shari) Farr, Sherie (Mark) Kemp, and Cindy (Keith) Frey; her grandchildren Brad, Justin, Alli, Taylor, Christopher, Jacob, Mark, Jennifer, Crystal, Tabatha, and Michael; and 15 great-grandchildren.
A service celebrating Kay's life will be held on Monday, September 15, at Westminster Presbyterian Church located at 47 Jefferson Ave SE, Grand Rapids. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. and a luncheon directly after.
In lieu of flowers, a donation would be appreciated to the Alzheimer's Research Foundation, alzfdn.org, with a dedication in memory of Kay Farr, or to a charity of your choice.