Kay Ables

Kay (McPheeters) Ables of Malden, Missouri, was born July 31, 1945 and took her journey home to heaven Sept. 28, 2024 at 79 years of age.

She was born to the late William “Bill” and Genevieve McPheeters, and grew up in Malden and Campbell, Missouri. On Dec. 19, 1980 she married her late husband, Don Ables.

Kay was a woman whose life was enriched by friends, family, and faith sprinkled in with some rock and roll. These were the guiding lights that illuminated her path, providing her with strength, joy, and unwavering support throughout her journey. Kay’s friendships were treasures she held close to her heart, until the very end. She cherished the laughter-filled adventures shared on trips, the heartfelt conversations during visits, and the simple joy of welcoming friends into her home. The opportunity to reconnect with old friends filled her with a special kind of happiness, and she often reminisced about those cherished memories. Kay had a unique ability to bring light and laughter into any room. Her infectious smile and playful spirit were a source of joy for all who knew her, and she, in turn, deeply valued the companionship and love her friends offered.

Family was the very foundation upon which Kay built her life. Her favorite memories were family reunions at Current River. The love she held for her father Bill and her mother Genevieve was deep and abiding. Her affection for her surviving siblings Ann Mosely (Joe) of Malden and Steve McPheeters (Patti) of Sikeston and their families knew no bounds.

Her nearly 37-year marriage to Don Ables, who predeceased her Sept. 24, 2017, was a testament to their enduring love and commitment. With this marriage she welcomed Don’s sisters Marilyn (Bill) of Sikeston, Jo Cavanagh of Michigan and the late Gretta Walton of Michigan.

She is survived by her son, Lee Vance Woodham (Laura) of Fenton, Missouri; her daughter, Melissa Jacob (David) of Shelton, Connecticut; and her son, Wes Ables (Colleen) of St. Louis, Missouri.

She deeply loved her grandchildren Daniel Woodham (Meghan), Blake Woodham, Drew Woodham, Katie Jacob Carlino (Chris), Amanda Jacob Erickson (Ryan), Nate Jacob, Genevieve Ables and Ozzie Ables. She leaves many nieces and nephews, three great-grandchildren and many close friends. She cherished every moment she spent with them and her legacy of love will live on through them.

Kay’s faith was the bedrock of her being, the unwavering foundation that carried her through life’s challenges and uncertainties. Her belief in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit provided her with strength, hope, and solace during difficult times. Even amidst life’s many storms that rained down on her, Kay found joy in the simple blessings that surrounded her. Her decades-long membership at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Dexter, Missouri resulted in the lasting friendships that were more like family. She will be remembered by many as being one of the singing “nuns” that traveled and sang praise songs around the region. After her move to Malden in 2023, she joined the Stokelan Drive Christian Church and embraced a new family of faith.

Friends may call at Landess Funeral home at 201 N. Douglas Street, Malden, Missouri, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. Visitation from noon-2 p.m., Service is at 2 p.m. Burial will be held on a later date in the committal shelter at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri, where she will rest with Don for eternity. In her memory, let us strive to be more like her. To love deeply, to forgive freely, and to cherish the moments we share with those we hold dear. And don’t forget to crank up the radio; sing and dance and live life to the fullest. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to 18 FORE Life, In memory of Kay Ables, 705 Laurie Circle, Dexter, MO 63841 of Hospice.