Kathleen "Kay" Eves' Obituary
Kathleen (Kay) Eves
September 26, 1952 – March 22, 2023
Kay Eves was a warrior. She fought and fought, but ultimately passed away at the age of 70 after a long and courageous battle with cholangiocarcinoma. Her life was a testament to the beauty of love, kindness and generosity, and we are all better for having had her in our life. Her niece Flora Bowley, summed it up perfectly when she said “when I think of memories with Aunt Kay, I think of her big smile, sparkling eyes, genuine warmth, and how she always made me feel loved and embraced.” Kay’s love will remain forever in our hearts.
She is greatly missed by her family: her husband of forty years, Don Eves; her daughter, Kristi Knopinski (Jason), stepsons Jon (Cindy) and Patrick Eves; her mother Lloyda Clark; and sisters: Chris Colley (Larry); and Debbie Tamburri (Bob). She was preceded in death by her father Jerry Clark and sister Diana Clark (Beto Rojas). Other survivors include her grandchildren Simon and Anslei Knopinski and Sarah Eves. Nieces, nephews, special friends (aka the beloved Card Sharks) and all who knew her are deeply saddened by her loss.
In a double wedding ceremony in 1971, Kay married Doug Lyman and her twin sister married Larry Colley. Although Kay and Doug’s marriage didn’t last forever, they had a beautiful daughter, Kristi, who they, along with Don, raised as a team.
She met Don Eves while working at a travel agency. They, together with Tom Bartlett, started Consulting Travel, serving the Springfield, Missouri area. Kay served as President of the company, and it thrived under her leadership. Needless to say, she was well traveled.
Don and Kay married in 1982 and, with Kristi, relocated to Tampa, Florida. Kay was very active in Kristi’s gymnastics through the YMCA and LaFleur’s Gymnastics Club. Kay spent many years as Don’s back up to his successful insurance practice. Most importantly, she served as his caregiver, transporter and medical proxy through 20 years of his cancer treatment.
The beach was her happy place! Even when she was sick, having her toes in the sand and watching a beautiful sunset brought her peace. She also enjoyed spending time and winning money at the casino. She had a magic touch with slot machines and was usually able to cover Don’s losses.
A celebration of Kay’s life will be held at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home at Serenity Gardens at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 28. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kay’s memory to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, https://cholangiocarcinoma.org/donate.
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