Obituaries

Leona Christine Kay, age 77, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan passed away at her home on September 18, 2023. She was born September 23rd, 1945, to John Randolph and Grace Roseland (Cada) Kay in Niles, Michigan.

Leona grew up in Buchanan, Michigan, and graduated from Buchanan High School. She attended the University of Michigan and the University of Pheonix. She began working for the Justice of the Peace for a couple years before she moved to Pheonix, Arizona and worked at Pheonix and met her husband, Spencer. She became a master carpenter in Arizona and became a member of a local tribe out west. In the 1970’s she began working for “Indian of Arts” and traveled all over. She moved to the EUP to attend a family funeral and never left. She served as a custodian for the last 12 years at the Big Bear Arena (Chi Mukwa) and retired in 2022.

She lived a free life and enjoyed playing pool, sewing, making Indian regalia as well as beading.

Leona will be remembered by her sister: Dove (Ewald) Woodrick of Galien, Michigan; best friend: Teresa (Luana Bush) Benda of Garden River, Canada; three grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Leona is preceded in death by her parents, and her son.

Final resting place is Mission Hill Cemetery in Bay Mills, Michigan.