Obituaries

It is with deep sorrow and love that we announce the passing of Raymond Earl Kay, cherished and beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and dear friend to many. Earl passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, after a period of illness with family surrounding him.

Born on June 23, 1941, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Earl was the son of the late Ray and Elda (Fletcher) Kay. He was the loving husband of Tina Kay and brother to Linda (Charlie) Countryman and Richard (Cheryl) Kay, as well as the late Gary (Patty) Kay. Earl’s family also includes his children: Debbie (Tim) Bowers, Bob (Staci) Kay, Terri True, Christie (Art Devlin) Kruchten, Carrie (Steve) Grover, Brian Kay, and James (Tonya Godfrey) Kay. Earl was a proud grandfather to Kimberly (Chris) Hill, Cooper Kay, Kaci Kay, Alexandria True, John Kay, Brianna Kay, Tylor Kay, Takota (Alyssa Rosano) Kay, Tate (Camryn Buskirk) Kay, Les Kruchten, Will (Allison Osta) Kruchten, Ashtin Kay, Molly (Kyle) Lecher, Theodore Grover, and Ellery (Dan Edminster) Grover. He was also blessed to have great-grandchildren: Gracie Hill, Nova True, Mason Kay, Dalton Kay, Cecilia Lecher and Wrenlee Lecher.

Earl was a man of many talents and a deep passion for life. A dedicated sportsman, he cherished the time spent during deer season, but his greatest joy came from being surrounded by his family. Earl also loved traveling and exploring the country with his wife, Tina, in their RV.

He began his career as a butcher at A&P and Foodland, later taking on a mail route from Sault Ste. Marie to Mackinaw City. Earl also dabbled in real estate and ran the Stagecoach Inn and Bakery in Old Town on Portage Avenue. In 1977, he married Tina, and together they purchased The House of Flavors Ice Cream Shoppe, a business they treasured. Earl’s entrepreneurial spirit continued with the opening of a Radio Shack Franchise in 1980, which eventually became Centurytel Cellular, the first to bring cellular service to the Eastern Upper Peninsula. In his later years, Earl operated the Skyline Motel in the Soo.

Earl’s dedication to his community was unwavering. He volunteered for many years on the I-500 Snowmobile Race Committee and took immense pride in watching his youngest son compete in the race. Earl also served several terms on the Chippewa County Commission and on the Economic Development Corporation, where he worked tirelessly to secure funding for projects such as the new Chippewa County International Airport Terminal and the much-needed 911 Call Center. His passion for his community also led him to organize seasonal events and parades that brought people together.

Earl’s faith was an integral part of his life. He sang in the choir at the First United Presbyterian Church for over 40 years as well as serving on the board of trustees, touching the lives of many through his devotion.

Earl will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His love for his family, his commitment to his community, and his unwavering faith will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with the Funeral Service following at 1:00 PM at the First United Presbyterian Church, 555 Bingham Ave, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the First United Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund or I-500 Project Inc. in Earl’s name.

Earl’s memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, and he will be deeply missed by all.