Loretta Nadine Kays

Loretta Nadine Kays, a beacon of love and selflessness, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2024, at her home in Punta Gorda, FL. Born on October 3, 1937, in Terre Haute, IN, to the late Albert and Alice Burch, Loretta's life was a beautiful tapestry of devotion to her family, her faith, and her countless creative passions.

Loretta's journey through life was marked by her enduring love and partnership with her beloved late husband, Ronald H. Kays. Together, they created a legacy of love, navigated the joys and challenges of life, including the unimaginable loss of their son, Matthew Kays and later on she faced the loss of her grandson, Michael Kays. Through it all, Loretta's strength and grace were the pillars upon which her family leaned.

She was a nurturing mother to her sons, Mark (Diane) Kays and John Kays; her daughter, Shannon Gorman; seven cherished grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren who were the light of her life who knew her as the heart of the family, a role she embraced with every fiber of her being. Loretta also treasured her relationships with her two sisters, Janet Bryan and Karen Garrity. The bond she shared with her numerous nieces and nephews whom will miss her guiding presence.

Loretta's interests were a reflection of her loving and thoughtful nature. A devout Catholic, she found solace and strength in her faith. Her gardens were a testament to her patience and connection to the beauty of nature. Each quilt she crafted was a warm embrace, each puzzle she completed a testament to her perseverance, and every painting and craft she created was imbued with her gentle spirit.

Loretta's faith was the cornerstone of her existence. It guided her actions and gave her strength, especially during times of loss. Loretta's faith community benefited from her selfless service and the loving kindness she extended to all.

Her selfless nature extended beyond her family to everyone she met. Loretta's life was an embodiment of the principle that the greatest gifts are those given without expectation of return. Her legacy is one of unconditional love, nurturing care, and the quiet dignity with which she carried herself through the trials and triumphs of life.

An aficionado of sweets, Loretta's kitchen was often filled with the aroma of freshly baked treats, a testament to her belief in the sweetness of life and the joy of sharing it with others. Her hands, always busy, were never too full to offer comfort, support, or a delicious homemade delight.

Those who knew Loretta would describe her as loving, thoughtful, and selfless. Her actions were guided by a deep-seated desire to make the world a better place, one kind deed at a time. Her legacy is not just in the objects she crafted or the garden she cultivated, but in the love she gave freely and the lives she touched.

As we say farewell to Loretta Nadine Kays, we celebrate a life richly lived and a soul that touched so many. Her memory will be cherished and her spirit will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known her. Loretta's passage from this world is not an end but a transition to a place where the gardens are ever-blooming, the quilts are heavenly soft, and the puzzles of life are all complete.

Her family will gather to share memories and honor the remarkable woman they were blessed to call mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Loretta's life is not one to be mourned, but to be celebrated and held as a shining example of the beauty that is possible when one lives with an open heart and generous spirit.

We bid farewell to Loretta Nadine Kays, not with heavy hearts, but with gratitude for the time we were granted in her presence. May she rest in peace, knowing she has left this world better than she found it, and that her love will continue to blossom in the lives of those she has left behind.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Tidewell Hospice, who provided loving and compassionate care for Loretta.

A celebration of life will take place on Friday, October 4 th at 10am at Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home in Punta Gorda, FL. Loretta will be laid to rest at Joshua’s Creek Cemetery in Arcadia, FL following the service.