Verse 1 Ninety-seven years and your eyes still shine, Sharp as the day you turned twenty-nine. You hold Lyman County in the palm of your hand— Every name, every face, every acre of land. Dates and birthdays locked safe in your mind, A memory so perfect it’s one of a kind. You laugh at the future like it’s an old friend, And the past sits beside you, right to the end. Verse 2 Coffee at dawn with the same faithful crew, Gladys and Nola, Eileen, Selma too. Hutch’s on Saturday, cards on the table, That famous giggle still light as a fable. You drove Mom to town when her eyes grew dim, Windows down, singing an old-time hymn. Chorus Oh Kay, our Kay, with the spark in your smile, You turned ordinary days into something worthwhile. Apple pie cooling on the windowsill, Clippings in envelopes coming still. You loved us fierce, but you let us be free— That’s the truest gift you ever gave me. Verse 3 Toys in the closet, from days long ago, Simple and sturdy—the grandkids loved them so. Genealogy pages stacked neat and tall, Every birth, every wedding—you remember it all. You traced every branch so none of us fall Out of the story you kept so alive— In your memory, darling, the whole county thrives. Verse 4 You had your opinions, strong as the wind, But kindness came first and you never gave in To letting a difference break what was true; Love was the winner, and love always knew Your door was wide open, your table was set, No one left hungry, no one left unmet. Chorus Oh Kay, our Kay, with the spark in your smile, You turned ordinary days into something worthwhile. Hair done on Friday, pie in the oven, Stories (and that giggle) worth more than all we’ve been given. You loved us fierce, but you let us be free— That’s the truest gift you ever gave me. Bridge Now the road is shorter, but you’re not afraid, You’ve chosen your peace in the choices you’ve made. So we’ll sit at your table one more time around, Listen close while your memories and your giggle resound. When you’re ready to rest, we’ll carry the flame— Every story, every laugh, still calling your name. Final Chorus (soft, then swelling) Oh Kay, our Kay, with the spark in your smile, You turned a whole lifetime into something worthwhile. We’ll miss the coffee, the cards, and the pie, That quick bright giggle when something struck you just right. You loved us fierce, and you set our hearts free— Thank you, dear Kay, for the gift of being you. We love you, Kay. Always.
