MELVERN, Kan. – C. Kay Salisbury, 84, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, at Rock Creek Care Facility, Ottawa, Kan. She was born Dec. 19, 1940, on the family farm near Melvern, Kan., the daughter of Max and Berla (Lewis) Jennings.
Kay grew up in Melvern, graduating from Melvern High School in 1958. She then graduated from Emporia State Teachers College, becoming an elementary and middle school teacher. She had taught in Chase, Kan., before moving to Overland Park, Kan., and teaching in the Shawnee Mission School District. After her retirement, she returned to the Melvern community in 2001.
Kay was a member of the Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority at Emporia State, and was a member of the Melvern United Methodist Church. Kay was an integral part of the Melvern community. She was active in her church community and spent several years leading a youth group at the church. She was often seen lending a helping hand to family members and neighbors in need. In addition to her service to others, she was an avid antique lover, making many lifelong friends through collecting and selling Red Wing pottery and more.
On June 11, 1961, Kay was united in marriage to Larry Salisbury, of St. Marys, Kan. To this union, two sons were born, Greg and Randy.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Max and Berla; son, Greg Salisbury; and daughter-in-law, Mary “Lynn” Salisbury.
Kay is survived by her husband, Larry, of 63 years; son, Randy (Maureen) Salisbury, of Overland Park; daughter-in-law, Melinda Salisbury, Salina, Kan.; sister, Beverly (James Sr.) Dunning, Wichita, Kan.; four grandchildren, Brandon (Tamara) Salisbury, Conway Springs, Kan., Meghan (Corey) Redfern, Girard, Kan., Molly Salisbury, Overland Park, and Maggie (Tyler) Doyle, Overland Park; six great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
Kay Salisbury will be remembered not only as an exceptional educator but also as a beacon of love and support in her community. Her legacy of kindness will continue to inspire all who knew her.
A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 1, at the Melvern United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until service time. Inurnment will be in the Melvern Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made to Melvern United Methodist Church, sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Ave., Lyndon, KS 66451. Condolences can be left at feltnerfuneralhome.com.
