Kathryn (Kay) Wilson, Long, Tennis, Thomas was born July 24, 1926, to Ivan T. and Jesse Maude Wilson. She died peacefully at her home June 23, 2022. Kay was born at home in Elwood, Mo., only seven miles west from the downtown square in Springfield. Her Great-grandfather J. D. L. Wiley, who fought in the Civil War, homesteaded the land in 1845. The farmhouse and land remain in the family today.

As a young farm girl, like many growing up during the Depression era, she always talked about how her mother made all her dresses. Many were made from cotton flour sacks with printed designs. However, she always looked like a magazine model since her mother would take her to the department stores in Springfield to try on the latest styles. Maude would use her hands and take notes to get the dress measurements copied. She would make her own newspaper patterns later, finding the right fabric, and would have a dress of most current fashion for her daughter. Later in life, Kay and Joe cared for their mother so she could remain in her home until her death.

Kathryn was proud of her education in a one room schoolhouse in Elwood with all eight grades. She attended Willard High School where she was a cheerleader and enjoyed debate. Kay graduated with honors as class salutatorian in 1944. One time as a 14-year-old freshman, Kay was called upon by her mother (who didn't drive) to drive to St. Louis to pick up her father who was very sick. She accomplished the task by herself and got them both home safely. This "can do" spirit is very typical of 'the Greatest Generation.'

Kay never met anyone that did not become her lifelong friend. She had a very caring personality. Since high school days at Willard, 10 of her friends "The Willard Girls" met for dinner or shopping or travelling for the next 60 years.

She received a full scholarship to State Teachers College, now Missouri State University where she was a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority. Kay became a national officer of her sorority and enjoyed travel on behalf of the organization. While attending college, she met Wilber Delaney Long. They were married July 20, 1946. She was delighted to include in her family Wilber's children; C. Wills Long, age 10, and Anne Charmaine Long, age 8. Their son, Michael D. was born in 1948. After her divorce from Wilber, Kay needed to make a living for her family. She headed to New York City to receive training as an electrologist. As a highly skilled technician, she was the first to open a business of this kind in Springfield called American Electrolysis. Soon, many plastic surgeons and dermatologists were sending their patients to her for hair removal as this was the cutting edge of technology at the time.

On April 7, 1962, she married Olen Tennis. They enjoyed building a home together on their farm in Battlefield, Missouri. She enjoyed fishing with him and music. Kay's voice landed her in a group of women known as the "Sweet Adeline's." Olen's sudden death at age 51, in 1968 left her widowed.

She later married James Emory Thomas, April 18, 1970. Kay enjoyed her extended family of stepchildren. As a couple they enjoyed playing golf at Twin Oaks Country Club and Ft. Lauderdale Country Club when staying at their condo in Florida. She was an outstanding golfer playing in the Championship flight at Twin Oaks and tournaments all over southwest Missouri and in parts of Oklahoma and Kansas. She had several "hole in ones" to her credit. They were married until Jim's passing in 1989.

She enjoyed travelling with the "Lady Bears" and giving advice to then coach, Sheryl Burnett about the line-up and what needed to change if the team was going to win. And yes, Sheryl would write her back, thanking her for all her comments. She had season tickets to all Bears' games and would look forward to the Missouri Valley Conference in St. Louis. She was also an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. She would watch every televised game and listen to the radio broadcasts.

When Kay was in her mid-80's another great man entered her life, James Wyatt Napper. They never married but spent many happy days together until his death in 2016.

Kathryn was an immensely proud Christian. Her church up-bringing started at the Elwood Methodist Church, where most of the founding 22 members were her direct descendants. She was an early member of King's Way United Methodist Church during their chartering. The group met and held services in the small house located on the property with only 32 people. She was active in the church on the committee to provide meals for families after funeral services.

Kay has had a wonderful life, living only weeks away from her 96th birthday. She was predeceased by her mother, father and brother, Joe Wilson (Lena). Also, husbands; Wilber D. Long, Olen Tennis, Jim Thomas, stepsons C. Wills Long, Ron Thomas, David Thomas (Vicky), stepdaughter, Phyllis (Tennis) Herndon, and her significant other, Jim Napper.

She is survived by her son, Michael D. (Cathy) Long, grandson, Wil Long, granddaughter, Nancy (Long) Taylor, (Robert), and great granddaughter, Aubrey Taylor. Also, stepdaughter Anne (Long) Davis, (Warren), step grandson, Mark Davis, step granddaughter, Kim (Davis) Harrington, (Patrick), step great grandsons, William, and Preston Harrington all of Springfield. Also, her wonderful cat Chubby.  Step-daughter-in-law, Pat Long, step grandson Jeff Long (Kim), step great grandsons, Jason Long (Dani) Morello, Tyler Long (Julianna), step great granddaughter, Sarah (Long) Allen (Luke) (from New Orleans), step granddaughter Pam (Long) Babb (John), step great granddaughter Ashley (Babb) Morrison (Jeff), step great grandsons, Drew Babb (Laura), Michael Babb, step granddaughter Maggie (Long) Bardsley (Ken),  step great granddaughter, Lauren Craig, step great grandsons, Brian Craig (Ashley), and Jeffrey Craig all of Colorado. Step grandson Rick Herndon (Lisa) of Nixa, MO, step great grandchildren Elsie Herndon, and Jake Herndon (Katelyn), step granddaughter, Lori (Herndon) Hensley (David) of Springfield. Step granddaughter, Rachel (Thomas) Williston (Keith) of Blue Springs, MO., Step-daughter-in-law, Shirley Thomas of Georgia; step grandsons Ron Thomas, California, and Bentley Thomas of Nevada; nieces, Karen Fesperman and Tammy Corbin of Springfield and a host of step great-great grandchildren.

Kay always made it clear that she wanted to remain in her home until the end. This wish was made possible by her wonderful caregivers: Lori, Dorothy, Abby, Tina, Becky, Julie, Corinne, and Marcy.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E. Seminole, Springfield, MO. The visitation at the funeral home will be on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 from 5-7 p.m. Celebration of life, at King's Way United Methodist Church, 2401 S. Lone Pine, Springfield, MO is on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Clear Creek Cemetery on 7782 W. Farm Rd. 108, Springfield, MO following the service. Donations may be made to the DAV (Disabled American Veterans), Isabel's House or charity of your choice.