Kay Ellen Voigtman

Kay Ellen Voigtman, age 83, of Saline, Michigan, a beacon of grandmotherly warmth and wisdom, passed away on January 19, 2024 following a short, but courageous, battle against cancer. Throughout her treatment, she maintained her dignity and humor assisted by frequent visits from family and dear friends. The eldest child of Kenneth and Geneva Vallem, Kay was born on September 19, 1940, in Davenport, Iowa. Given the strong bond with her siblings, she loved to share stories about growing up with her sister Janice and her brother Gary. Kay spent much of her youth on her grandparents’ farm in Oskaloosa, Iowa, where she developed a lifelong passion for fresh food, home cooking, knitting, and sewing. Countless mittens, scarves, sweaters, and hats knit by Kay’s creative and determined hands will be worn and cherished forever. Kay, recognized by friends and family as a gifted seamstress, could never pass by a fabric store without going in. She loved making garments; it is even possible that you still might find a 1970s plaid leisure suit with a label that reads, “Handmade by Kay”! Kay’s life was a tapestry of love and laughter. She met and married her college sweetheart, Ronald Voigtman, while attending Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, Iowa. They were married for 64 amazing years. From the Great Plains, they moved to Saline in 1965, where together they raised their four children: Cindy, Jon, Jane, and Chris. From Girl Scouts to Cub Scouts to PTA to Sunday School, Kay enjoyed leading and organizing events for her children. Through her active involvement, she quickly found life-long friends in the community who remained vitally important to her. In addition to being a loving mother and wife, Kay had an adventurous career; having honed her personal sales skills in the neighborhood through Avon and Tupperware, she soon made the leap to advertising sales at the Saline Reporter. In a great surprise to her family, she also made a late career move to become a flight attendant, where she enjoyed flying around the globe to quench her thirst for travel. After retiring, her home was filled with the endless parade of pitter-patter from her beloved grandchildren: Nathan, Chelsea, Kirby, Annalee, Hayden, Vaughn, and Bode, and her five celebrated great-grandchildren. As her grandkids have entered school, college, and career, she was the most vocal cheerleader for their interests in music, sports, academics and accomplishments. Rarely could you find her without her precious four-legged sidekick, Ginger, unless Kay was at the Rec and Aquatic Center, where she loved her peaceful time in the pool. Kay will be desperately missed by her devoted husband Ronald, her children: Cindy Voigtman, Jon (Terri) Voigtman, Jane (Kevin) May, and Chris (Tarra) Voigtman, her loving sister Janice, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She will also be missed by her countless friends who always kept her company, including Kathy, Bill and Barb, Jim, Susan, Scott, and so many others. We will honor Kay’s last wish to gently celebrate her life on a sunny day this spring with family, friends, favorite music, and food. Throughout this celebration, we will share our best stories and fondest memories of the incredible impact she made on our lives and in the community. Once we set a date, we will happily share it with those who are interested in joining the remembrance. To leave a memory you have of Kay or to sign her guestbook please visit www.rbfhsaline.com

Tributes

Kay Ellen Voigtman

September 19, 1940 - January 19, 2024