Kay Vaux

Kay Frances Vaux was born on August 21, 1936, on a farm south of Coon Rapids, Iowa, the daughter of Harry and Mary (Loeffler) Jacobsen. She was baptized and later confirmed at Annunciation Catholic Church in Coon Rapids. Kay attended Annunciation Catholic School and Coon Rapids High School, graduating with the Class of 1955. After graduation, she worked on Garst’s farm and at a local restaurant.

On June 3, 1957, Kay was united in marriage with Thomas M. Vaux at Annunciation Catholic Church in Coon Rapids. They were blessed with two children, Deidra and Douglas. Shortly after their marriage, Tom was drafted into the United States Army, and Kay joined him while he was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington.

When they returned home in 1960, the couple began working for Tom's father at Vaux Grocery. In 1970, they had the opportunity to purchase and operate the business themselves, which they continued to do until their retirement in 1999. During retirement, Kay stayed active by working part-time at Ohde Funeral Home and the Bayard News Gazette.

Kay was a devoted member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Bayard, where she was active in the Ladies Guild and served on the parish council. She also volunteered within her community, especially with Bayard Senior Housing. Kay loved spending time outdoors and tending to her garden, but her greatest joy came from her grandchildren, who brought her endless happiness and pride.

Kay passed away on November 12, 2025, at Thomas Rest Haven Nursing Home in Coon Rapids at the age of 89 years, two months and 22 days. She was preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter, Carrie Renee Coenen; and siblings: Mark Jacobsen, Phil Jacobsen and Judy Gust.

Kay is survived by her husband, of 68 years, Tom Vaux of Bayard; children: Deidra (Bob) Coenen of Perry; Douglas (Tia) Vaux of Coon Rapids; five grandchildren: Nicole (Bill) Heinkel, Matthew (Stefanie) Coenen, Nathan (Kelly) Coenen, Jessica (Ben) Klocke and Zachery (Cassie) Vaux; 15 great-grandchildren: Austen, Maddison, Brooklynn, Hudsen, Blake, Bentley, Brysen, Jacksen, Jace, Josie, Jett, Greta, Ava, Mya and Tig; siblings: Joyce Barsby of Manning, Linda Whitcotton of The Woodlands, Texas and Floyd (BJ) Jacobsen of Harlan; and many other family and friends.

A rosary will be held at 4:45 p.m. with visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 17, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Bayard. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, also at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Bayard. Interment will follow in the Highland Township Cemetery near Bayard. The family will direct memorials.