Kay A. (Hanzlik) Weaver unexpectedly passed away on Jan. 23, 2023. She was born to Alvin and Pearl Hanzlik on July 17, 1957. Kay was raised on the family farm in Verdel. Kay attended Niobrara High School and was involved in many activities. She was very active in band, 4-H and cheerleading. Kay graduated from Niobrara High School in 1975. After graduation, Kay attended Nettleton Business College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In 1976, Kay was introduced to the love of her life, Craig, by her mother, Pearl, and Craig's sister-in-law, Marsha. They were introduced at a basketball game on Feb. 13, 1976, over a piece of bubble gum. From that day, true love formed between Kay and Craig during the year Kay decided to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. Kay moved closer to Craig in Kearney to attend Kearney State College. Kay then enrolled in the St. Francis School of Nursing in Grand Island and graduated with her nursing diploma in 1979. After graduation, Kay relocated to Stamford to be with Craig and started her nursing career at Harlan County Hospital. On June 2, 1979, Kay and Craig were united in marriage. This love story blessed them with two children: Sarah in 1981 and Calvin in 1986. Kay and Craig remained in Stamford until 1984 when they relocated to North Platte. In 1987 Kay started working at Great Plains Regional Medical Center as a home health and hospice nurse. Kay continued to work for Great Plains until her retirement this past July. Kay and Craig recently relocated back to Beaver City to start their "semi" retired life as Kay was able to work from home the last couple years of her career. In her "semi" retired life Kay was quick to make new friendships. She joined many ladies' groups including the Triple P Club in which she and her mother-in-law, Helen Weaver, were able to grow their bond stronger than ever, whether they were riding together to appointments or just having a lunch date, they were very close. Kay also had a passion for gardening. She was known to always have an abundant garden and beautiful flower gardens. Kay had a love for travel and her and Craig invested in an RV and traveled through many states to see many of their friends. They recently were able to enjoy going on an Alaskan cruise with Craig's classmates. Besides her ventures in recent years, Kay was always up for adventures following her kids every weekend as they grew up at soccer tournaments to weekend trips to visit family. Kay was blessed to be called a wonderful mother-in-law with a big heart. Kay welcomed her son-in-law Travis to the family in August 2010 and her daughter-in-law Shanea in June 2011. Both saw Kay as a second mom and could ask her anything without fear of judgment and knew she was always a call away. Kay's pride and joy were her grandchildren. She welcomed her first grandchild Trevon (Sarah) in May 1999. Grandma Kay was a huge influence in Trevon's life as she helped raise him. You could always hear her encouraging voice on the sidelines of his football and basketball games, track meets and through his academic success. She welcomed her second grandchild, Addison Pearl (Calvin and Shanea), in August 2015. This little girl was the light of Grandma Kay's life. From the moment she was born, Addi would bring a smile to Kay's face whenever she was around. Kay's third grandchild, Weston Dean (Calvin and Shanea), came along in December 2017 and kept Grandma Kay on her toes. Weston brought back fond memories of when Calvin was growing up. There was never a dull moment when Weston was with grandma. Finally, Grandma Kay welcomed her fourth grandchild, Ruby Woods (Calvin and Shanea) in November 2020. This little angel was attached to Grandma Kay's hip and would always bring a smile to faces no matter the circumstances. She is preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Pearl Hanzlik; father-in-law, Dean Weaver; and brothers-in-law, Randy Weaver and Terry Weaver. Kay is survived by her husband of 44 years, Craig; her dog, Jessie; daughter, Sarah (Travis) Roth; her son, Calvin (Shanea) Weaver; grandchildren, Trevon, Addison, Weston and Ruby Weaver; mother-in-law, Helen Weaver; brothers, Rick (Deb) Hanzlik and Don (Terri) Hanzlik; brothers-in-law, Larry (Marsha) Weaver and Jack (Terri) Weaver; sisters-in-law, Sandra Weaver and Gay Beavers; and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials and cards can be sent to the family for future designation. Online condolences may be shared at
gareyfuneralhome.com. Celebration of life is at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Faith Community Church, Beaver City. Overflow space is at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Beaver City. Kay will be honored by the National Nurses Honor Guard during the service. There will be a family gathering following the service at the Beaver City Community Building. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed via the Faith Community of Beaver City Facebook page. Private burial is at a later date. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, at Faith Community Church. Garey Funeral Home of Beaver City is in charge of the arrangements.
Published by North Platte Telegraph on Jan. 26, 2023.