Kathryn "Kay" Cox

With her optimistic and sunny disposition, it was a joy to have known and loved Kay Cox. Along with her encouraging nature, she put the needs of others before her own, her faith before comfort, and love of family before all else. Although Kay will be deeply missed, her love and strength lives on.

Kay's story began during a time of great change in the nation. Household conveniences made life easier, and increased the need for manufacturing. While tensions increased overseas, racial strains in the U.S. made daily headlines. American's were getting their fill of rock n' roll, and were in awe with the opening of the Mackinac suspension bridge in Michigan. However, in the small northeastern Michigan city of Alpena, Virgil and Margie (Reiser) LaHaie had exciting changes of their own. On April 23, 1957, they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Kathryn “Kay” Leann.

The oldest, Kay later welcomed two younger sisters, Paula and Ruth. Raised in faith, her father worked as a foreman at the Besser Company and her mother was a homemaker. As a child, Kay enjoyed times camping with her family and taking in lazy afternoon picnics. Growing up, she felt the utmost love and support from her parents who raised her with sound, Christian values. Always supportive, they took interest in the lives of their children and their well being. A close knit family, they spent much time together. Kay always looked forward to their springtime walks which became an annual event.

While young, Kay began piano and continued to play through her life. She attended Ella White School, and during her youth was part of the youth group at First Church of God. She went on to Thunder Bay Junior High School, and continued to sing and play the piano at church. It was during her high school years at Alpena Senior High School when Kay's talents shone bright. In addition to the piano, she played the violin in the orchestra and sang in the choir. Under the direction of David Elliott, Kay sang in the group, "The Joy Singers". She was honored during her senior year to have received the Frederic Chopin Piano Award.

Kay graduated in 1975 and furthered her education at Alpena Community College. During this time, she continued to pursue her talents. In 1976 she was first runner-up in the Miss Alpena Pageant and was later awarded the title when the reigning Miss Alpena was unable to fulfill her duties. In the summer of that year she also played and sang at Mr. D’s Steakhouse during the dinner hour for guests.

Kay received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1980 from Anderson University in Anderson, Indiana. However, living in Indiana was filled with much more than an education for Kay. While at the university, she met and soon married David Arnold in 1981. Although their marriage eventually ended, she was forever grateful for the blessing of her children, John Ian and Carey Celeste. In 1992 she married Jeffrey Cox which also ended.

A faithful member of Park Place Church of God in Anderson, Kay was involved in the choir and taught Sunday school. She worked for Bill and Gloria Gaither at Alexandria Press, and later worked at Quality Printing Company. After 20 years and as a Project Manager, she was forced to retire in 2011 due to health issues. A hard working and conscientious employee, she attributed her work ethic to her father.

In all ways, family was the most important to Kay. She devoted her life to her children and stopped at nothing to provide a good life for them. Tirelessly supporting them in each of their endeavors, she encouraged Ian in scouting, and was Carey's biggest fan through gymnastics and cheerleading. She loved attending both her children's madrigal choir performances. Kay's commitment to raising her children in a loving home and instilling Christian values in their lives was a priority. She counted caring for and loving her children as her greatest joy and blessing. Kay believed anything important in life was worth working for, and she taught by example. The importance of a personal relationship with God was to be cherished, and treasuring each day is key. When Carey had her own child, Kay told her daughter to love and protect her son, and to always remember that being a mother is the most important job she will ever have, and it's unending.

Optimism was one of Kay's virtues. She always looked on the bright side, and her joyful spirit and sunny nature spoke volumes to those around her. She continued her love for singing and playing the piano which was a source of relaxation and comfort to her. It was rare to find Kay not humming or singing a tune. Her children remember countless vacation travels to Michigan when Kay would crank the volume in the car and jam while singing along to Fleetwood Mac. Her family made her happy, and her children knew without doubt her love. She also loved seeing her family in Michigan and kept close to her parents and sisters. Kay also looked forward to their annual family camp-out each year.

Kay had special memories in her life which included the antics of a few pets. She had a pet cockatiel for 20 years, and a Whippet, similar to a small greyhound, named Sirroco. Rucca, the family Chihuahua, was by her side for the past five years. A highlight for Kay was being selected as one of 24 individuals to celebrate NASCAR's Jeff Gordon's 24th birthday at the Indianapolis Speedway in 1995. Each person was given a key to start a Monte Carlo, and even though Kay's key was a dud, she had a great time. Typical of Kay, she probably responded with her infamous expression, "Oh, man!" Of all these special times, nothing compared to when Kay became a grandmother. The first time she ever held her sweet Cash brought unparalled happiness to Kay's heart. She was so excited to become a grandma and literally glowed!

For the last five years, Kay was blessed to have the companionship of a special friend, Bill Polk. Their relationship was one of shared compatibilities and common interests which enriched both of their lives. Bill soon became part of the family, attending the annual camp-out, family events, was always there for Kay but most of all, they truly enjoyed each others company. They enjoyed attending plays and musicals, and also enjoyed traveling with friends to destinations such as Hawaii and Alaska. They were each caring, generous individuals and helped organize and plan special holiday celebrations at a local nursing home.

Faith and family was important to Kay. She believed in honesty, and remained true to herself throughout all of life's circumstances. Through her consistent faith and ever present, calm demeanor, knowing family was always there to see her through was a testament to her final days. Even then, she was more than willing to place the needs of others before her own. At the age of 54, Kathryn “Kay” Leann (LaHaie) Cox sadly died on Wednesday March 28, 2012 at the home of her parents in Alpena, surrounded by her loving family after being diagnosed in April of 2011 with an inoperable brain tumor. Her love and legacy lives on in all that she gave, and for all that she was.

Kay is survived by her children: John Ian (K Marie) Arnold, Carey Celeste Arnold, both of Anderson; her grandson, Cash Arnold; parents, Virgil and Margie LaHaie of Alpena, MI; two sisters: Paula (Harold) Simpkins of Marion, OH, Ruth (Steve) Plowman of Alpena, MI; nieces and nephews: Brian and Megan Plowman, Jeremy and Sara Simpkins; and very dear friend, Bill Polk of Muncie, IN. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, James and Marguerite Reiser and Conrad and Sophie LaHaie.

Kay is at McWilliams Funeral Home–Alpena where friends may call on Friday, March 30, 2012 from 2-8 PM and Saturday, March 31, 2012 at First Church of God in Alpena from 10:00 AM until the time of her funeral service at 11:00 AM with Rev. Cathleen Sprowl officiating. Memorial donations may be made to First Church of God in Alpena or Hospice of Michigan. Please visit Kay’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a favorite memory, photo and sign her online guest book.