Kathryn Veneklasen Wakefield Bovard Kay, age 96, passed away in Fremont, Michigan, on November 14, 2010, after an eventful and exemplary life. Kay was talented, brilliant, and engaged, a loyal friend to those who entered the orbit of her energy. Kays birth city was Cheyenne, Wyoming, where she arrived on January 24, 1914, after which her family soon returned to Grand Rapids. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a teachers certificate in English from the University of Michigan and went on to teach English at Fremont High School (1935-37, 1964-66, 1970). Kay loved travel, but also dedicated herself to public service: 9 years on the board of the Grand Rapids Symphony, 14 years on the board of Gerber Memorial Hospital, and 25 years on the Fremont Library Board. At the age of 70, Kay took up painting and created magnificent watercolors. Painting is like being lost in wonderland. Her greatest gifts were reserved for her friends and family whom she engaged with intelligence, wit, respect, warmth, and humor. Kay was a member of the Fremont First Congregational Church United Church Of Christ. Kay is survived by two daughters, Barbara A. (Richard) Kelley of Norton Shores, and Mary E. (Michael) Wakefield of New York City, and by two sons, Ray M. (Margrit) Wakefield of Minneapolis, and William J. (Mindy) Wakefield of Grand Rapids. Also surviving are 6 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and many nephews, nieces grand- nieces and nephews. Kay was preceded in death by her first husband, Ray B. Wakefield, her second husband, Paul Bovard, her parents, Egbert and Anna Veneklasen, her sister, Gertrude Veneklasen DeLamarter Huebner, and her brothers, John E. Veneklasen and William M. Veneklasen. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2011,at 1 PM, at the First Congregational Chuch in Fremont with Pastor Ray Dekker officiating. Kay was inspired by reading and painting. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Newaygo County Council for the Arts Artsplace or the Fremont Area District Library.