Kathleen "Kay" Kantola, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at the age of 81. Born on June 8, 1943, in White Cloud, Michigan, Kay lived a life marked by love, dedication, and a deep connection to family and nature.

After Kay and Ernie were wed on July 21st, 1962, they moved to California, lived in Fort Worth, TX and Phoenix, AZ, before moving back to White Cloud, Michigan. When they moved back, Kay spent a fulfilling 33 years as a supervisor at Dura Automotive before her retirement. Her work was characterized by her unwavering commitment and leadership, which left a lasting impression on her colleagues.

Kay had a myriad of interests and hobbies that reflected her vibrant spirit. She found joy and solace in hiking and ice fishing, always eager to embrace the great outdoors. A talented and creative soul, she enjoyed crocheting and filled her home with beautiful handmade creations. Kay also loved gardening and was known for her bountiful and colorful garden. Her baking skills delighted her friends and family, and her kitchen was often filled with the sweet aromas of homemade goodies. An adventurous traveler, Kay and Ernie took pleasure in having explored 48 of the United States, each journey expanding her horizons and enriching her life.

Above all, Kay had an immense heart for her family. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, whose nurturing spirit and unconditional love profoundly impacted her family. Her legacy of kindness, strength, and love lives on in her surviving family members: her husband; Earnest Kantola, her children; Debra Peterson and Dennis (Melissa) Kantola, her cherished grandchildren; Andrea (Cody) Kantola, Jason (Keri) Peterson, Kasey Roszell, and Justin Peterson, and her beloved great-grandchildren; Nicole and Rylee Peterson, and Henry Roszell. Kay is also survived by her siblings, Nadalyn (Carl) Zmrzlik, Leonard Johnson and Linda (Gary) Smalligan. Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Emma Johnson, her sisters, Donna Nelson and Ellen Johnson, and grandson-in-law Robert Roszell.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Crandell Funeral Home Inc, White Cloud, MI. Following the visitation, a Celebration of Life will take place at 12:00 p.m. at the same location with a luncheon immediately following the service at the Lions Club. Arrangements have been entrusted to Crandell Funeral Home - White Cloud Chapel