Kay Renee Roberts, 68, of Fort Wayne, passed away on Tuesday October 1, 2024, at home in Fort Wayne, Indiana, surrounded by her loving family and close friends.
She was born on May 22, 1956 in Columbia City, Indiana to James Willard Roberts and Ada Marie VanHouten Roberts Schrader.
Kay grew up in the Columbia City area and was a graduate of Columbia City Joint High School, class of 1974. She graduated from Patricia Stevens, Milwaukee Wisconsin as well as IUPU of Fort Wayne with a degree in Social Work.
She was reborn in Jesus Christ on November 18th 2023 at Mission Church in Fort Wayne Indiana.
Kay worked many jobs over the years. From a tour guide at the New Sentinel to waitress at numerous restaurants to Manager at Instant Copy. She also was an Amway Distributor. While working these jobs she also worked as a social worker at Kingston nursing home, Visiting Nurse/Hospice, Angel Core and ARC. She spent the last couple years leading up to her retirement working at the Dupont Hospital Commissary. Kay loved people. She loved helping people and was rarely ever idle. Many of these jobs she worked simultaneously. The Roberts work ethic was ingrained in her through and through.
Kay married Scott Mertz in November 18th 1984. Kay and Scott took in three foster children. Ultimately they parted ways very lovingly and amicably in '98. They continued to be each other's support system and remained in each other's lives.
April 10th of 1999 Kay met the man she would spend the rest of her life driving crazy, one Mr. Paul McDougald. She would spend 25 years loving Paul, but only on the weekends. Their secret to a happy relationship was making the heart grow fonder by spending their week days apart.
Kay's hobbies included antiquing, singing, reading, collecting green glass that matched her eyes. She was an avid member along with Paul of the Route 30 Cruisers Columbia City Chapter. She loved volunteering at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo. Kay loved anything that had to do with helping others. She also used her personal time to take clients grocery shopping and would frequently bring them with her to family holidays.
Kay is survived by her brother Daniel D. Roberts (Lori); her nieces Samantha and Delaney Roberts; her sister in law, Lisa Roberts Her nephew and niece Ryan and Angie Roberts and a great niece Lilliana Roberts. As well as her life Partner/Best Friend Paul McDougald and her perpetual partner in crime, the fluffly feline Miss Sophie.
Kay was preceded in death by James Willard, her father. Ada Marie, her mother. Larry Eugene Roberts, her brother.
In Lieu of Flowers the family requests that donations be made in her honor to your favorite charity. Kay loved helping people and would have loved to use her departure as a means to help others.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Kay on October 26th 2024 from 1pm to 6pm at:
Paige's Crossing
2821 E. Business 30
Columbia City, IN 46725