Kay Ressman

KAY E. (NEWMAN) RESSMAN, 76 HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Kay E. (Newman) Ressman, 76, died unexpectedly Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Hot Springs. Born Aug. 26, 1934, the beloved daughter and only child of Ray and Gertrude Newman of Rockford, Ill., where she lived until 1973. She graduated from Rockford East High School and worked as an EEG technician at St. Anthony Hospital. She also began her lifelong dedication to both the Presbyterian Church and her music there, serving as church organist at Rockford's Westminster Presbyterian for 23 years. Kay played both piano and organ her entire life. Her other passions included her pets and gardening; she was a master gardener and most recently belonged to the Whitfield Garden Club in Hot Springs. She was always active in PEO Sisterhood Chapters and various volunteer activities. As a member of Westminster Presbyterian, Hot Springs, Kay sang in the chancel choir, belonged to the Rebekah Circle, and chaired Cares and Concerns. Survived by her close cousin, Nona Newman of Loveland, Colo.; Nona's family, including daughter, Barbara Stinson, of St. Paul, Minn., whom Kay always considered her "niece"; stepgranddaughters, Rachel and Sarah Proeber, and their mother, Sharon Proeber of Manitowoc, Wis.; other distant cousins; and so many very dear friends. Predeceased by parents, and husband, Kenneth L. Ressman. She was previously the widow of the Rev. John M. Deason. Kay was a woman of tremendous faith and is at peace with these loved ones now. Service at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 10, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Hot Springs, with visitation from 9 a.m. to time of service. Arrangements by Caruth-Hale Funeral Home, Hot Springs. Burial in Arlington Memorial Park, Rockford, where a private graveside memorial service will be held at a later date; friends will be notified. Memorials suggested to Westminster Presbyterian Church in Hot Springs and the Humane Society. Local arrangements by Honquest Family Funeral Homes with Crematory, Rockford Chapel. For online condolences, please visit honquestfh.com.