Kay Frances Gay

Kay Frances Gay took her final earthly breath on May 4, 2025 in her home on Rafter G Rodeo Ranch in Terrell, Texas. She was born in Fletcher, Oklahoma, on February 5, 1938 to Frank and Mickey Nickels. In 1956, Kay went on a date with Neal Gay at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo and the rest is legendary. Neal and Kay, who was 18 at the time, were married the following June. It was the beginning of 67 years together. With that marriage, she became the mother to Pete and Donnie and later her and Neal welcomed Jim into the world. Kay was known as a mom to many cowboys and cowgirls along the way. She was the best mom you could ask for, sister, amazing cook, witty, creative, wonderful artist and an all around hand. In addition to their love for each other, Neal and Kay were quite the team. She added glitz and glamour to their rodeo productions, making costumes, coordinating openings, training horses, being a rodeo secretary and her favorite, carrying the American Flag. Her contributions to rodeo have placed her in several hall of fames and the recipient to many awards. Kay could literally do it all. Her love for Jesus and her family is what remained the most important to her throughout her life. She became a “Gran K” and “KK” to not only her granddaughters, but to countless others. She was the host to many picnics and family get-togethers and kept her hand in the rodeo productions as long as she was able. We are honored to keep her traditions going. Our family has no doubt that she is with Jesus and reunited with Neal in Heaven. She is preceded in death by many family, friends and animals who added so much joy to her life. There will not be a grand entry more spectacular than the one she had. Family left to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy are her sons: Pete Gay and wife, Elissa, Donnie Gay and wife, Terri, Jim Gay and wife, Brenda; Granddaughters: Talli Gay Holt and husband, Drew Holt, Megan Gay Maier and husband, Rorey Maier, Summer Gay and fiancé, Wyatt Welsh; Sisters: Jackie Patton and Ginger McCreary. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Robyn Axton and Ryanne Hamilton. A Memorial Service for Kay will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at the Terrell Christian Country Church in Terrell, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made in Kay's honor to any of the following charities: The Wounded Warrior Project: https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate St. Judes Children's Hospital: https://www.stjude.org/donate Shriner's Children's Hospital: https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/ Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E199125&id=11

Tributes

Kay Frances Gay

February 5, 1938 - May 4, 2025