Born September 15, 1936 in Pekin to Edwin Oscar and Gladys (Heren) Hallar, she married Earl J. King on October 8, 1955. He died July 7, 2012 in Pekin. She also was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Marilyn Layer Ott.
Surviving are two daughters, Kathy Daniel of Pekin and Sheri (David) Ledgerwood of Manito; three grandchildren, Jarrod Messman of St. Louis, Missouri, Tim Mahnesmith and Sara Mahnesmith, both of Pekin; one niece, Terry (Jim) Layer Flynn of Mackinaw; two nephews, David Layer of Wauconda and Dan Layer of Pekin; and many great nieces and nephews.
Kay worked at Caterpillar, Inc., for Attorneys Elliff, Keyser & Hallberg in Pekin and for Kifco Irrigation and Wheeling, both in Havana. Together, she and her husband raised and sold produce at area Farmer’s Markets.
She enjoyed being with her family, reading, gardening, antiques, neighbors and cooking for Holidays and Birthday celebrations.
A devout Christian, Kay enjoyed reading her Bible. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pekin, where she was also a member of the Bethlehem Society. She formerly taught Sunday school at St. John's in the 1960's. She also was formerly active with the Jefferson School PTA and Mother's Club.
Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 12, 2022 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Daniel J. Bishop will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 711 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61554.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
