Katherine Mae Hays

Katherine “Kay” Mae Hays-Kelly, 69, of Topeka, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026, surrounded by her children at Stormont Vail Health in Topeka.

She was born April 25, 1956, in Saint Louis, Missouri, to George and Janet (Bush) Kelly. Kay lived in Colorado for most of her life, and a few years in Washington. She graduated from High School in 1974.

She loved singing and playing her 12-string guitar and would sing to her kids around a campfire while one of the kids would brush her hair. Kay also loved singing karaoke, collecting coins, geology (collecting rocks), and crafting driftwood into little houses. She was also an avid football fan and enjoyed watching the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs.

Animals were an important part of her life. She cared for many pets over the years. She recently adopted Stormy, a cat who she adored. Stormy has joined Tysen’s family.

Kay cared for her mother Janet Bush in their home in Littleton, Colorado for the prior 14 years until Janet passed a year ago December. Kay was dedicated to giving Janet the best quality of life possible while her own health continued to decline.

She moved to an apartment in Lawrence, Kansas, in January of 2025 to be closer to her kids and grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Amy Strosnider, Tysen Johnson, Shawn Johnson, Jordan Johnson; and 7 grandchildren.

A memorial service will be at 2:00pm, Friday, January 30, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home in Topeka, Kansas.

Memorial contributions should be made to Amy Strosnider, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave. Topeka, KS 66603.