Kay Kring Key

December 7, 1939 - February 11, 2025

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Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers

6025 82nd Street

Lubbock, TX 79424

Sunday 2/16, 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers

6025 82nd Street

Lubbock, TX 79424

Monday 2/17, 2:00 pm

Kay and her twin brother Gail were born on December 7, 1939, in Houston, Texas. Their parents were Juanita Ayers Kring and M.W. “Buddy” Kring. Kay graduated from Abilene High School in Abilene, Texas in 1957, and from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. While attending Texas Tech she met her lifetime partner Chuck Key. She also pledged Delta Delta Delta sorority.

Kay and Chuck were married on June 27, 1959, and they made their home in Lubbock for 66 years. Kay is lovingly remembered by her husband, Chuck, and two sons and their families: David and Sandra Key of Lubbock, and Jerrell and Holly Key of Gruver, Texas; six grandchildren: Rachel Gray, Kaitlyn Key, Alexandra and Jim Elsener, Maggie Key, Nicholas Key, and Colton Key; and two great-grandchildren: Lucy Gray and Austin Elsener. She is also survived by her brother, Gail Kring of Lubbock, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, whom she adored.

For the first 25 years of her married life Kay dedicated herself to raising her family and serving her community with love and grace. She and Chuck were active members of First Baptist Church where they found joy in the Tom Neal Sunday School class, the Youth Division Sunday School program, and Carpenter’s Kids. They were also involved with Parsons, Atkins, and Monterey PTAs, from which she received a Life Membership. She served as President of the Junior League of Lubbock in the first year of Holiday Happening, President of the first West Texas Homebuilders Auxiliary, and President of both the Lubbock Day Care Association and the Lubbock Heritage Society. She also served on the first board of the Ranching Heritage Center and was a member of Lubbock Country Club for over 45 years.

In the next chapter of her life Kay found great fulfillment as a licensed Texas Realtor, earning the distinguished Realtor of the Year Award. No matter the season of life, she and Chuck remained devoted Texas Tech fans, faithfully cheering on the Red Raider men’s basketball team.

Kay cherished both her immediate and extended family, as well as her dear friends. Her bridge club lasted over 60 years, and those friendships remained especially close to her heart. She and Chuck enjoyed their cabin on the river in Ruidoso, where they entertained family and friends for over 55 years.

Honorary pallbearers are Don Apple, Randy Barrett, PD Cunningham, Monte Hasie, Colton Key, Nicholas Key, Scott Kring, Joe McKay, Jerrell Snodgrass, and Gib Weaver.

Kay faced life’s challenges with grace and courage, living with Parkinson’s for over twenty years. She never let it dim her light or her love for others. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Southwest Parkinson’s Society in her honor.

Kay Key went home to be with the Lord on February 11, 2025.

Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers

6025 82nd Street

Lubbock, TX 79424

Map

Sunday 2/16, 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers

6025 82nd Street

Lubbock, TX 79424

Map

Monday 2/17, 2:00 pm

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Celebrating the Life of Kay Kring Key

Broadcasted 2/17/25 1:53pm - 2/17/25 2:50pm

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Dear Chuck and family, Kay gave us all a sterling example of a life well lived. With kindness and compassion, wisdom and humor Kay gave freely of her special brand of friendship. “Where a beautiful soul has travelled, beautiful memories forever remain”. We are so very sorry for your loss. Todd and Susie

You and your family are in our thoughts during this difficult time.

Sending love and prayers to support you during this time.

My deepest sympathy for your loss.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Kay Key . Plant a Tree

We were so sorry to hear of Kay's. She was always so pleasant and had such a welcoming spirit.

Our hearts go out to you during this time of loss.

I’m so sorry for your loss. My heartfelt sympathies are with you.

My deepest sympathy for your loss.

Rest in Peace KKK Love you, Alleyne

Prayers for the key family

Wishing you peace and comfort during this challenging time. Please accept my deepest sympathies.

So many great memories from our cheerleading days in high school and later at Tech--double dating with Kay and Chuck when they first met! Being in your wedding. The two years we had together when we were in Lubbock and Larry was getting his Masters Degree courtesy of the Army! I told Kay that the move to Lubbock was a really good move. And, she said to me "I can't imagine moving so many times you would know a good move from a bad one!! And, later--the trips to Ruidoso to stay with you all in the "cabin" on the river! Kay was always a good friend, a great listener with a loving heart. She made such a difference in a lot of lives and will be miss so much! Rest in peace, my dear friend!

A wonderful woman who did many things for many people. Love to Play mah-jongg and go to her cabin in Ruidoso A great friend to all. Joanne Hunt.

My deepest sympathy for your loss.

Our hearts go out to you during this time of loss.

The Key family has always been like family to me. David has always been a close friend and when we were young, Kay was like a second mother to me. She went out of her way to make our childhood one to remember. I cannot count the hours she pulled David and I behind the boat at the Kring's lake house on Lake Cisco. Learning from her, I "paid it forward" to my own daughters and their friends. Kay always had a kind word and provided constant support for us all. She will certainly be missed by me and my family.

Thoughts and prayers to your family!

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Kay Key . Plant a Tree

Loving thoughts and prayers of a remarkable woman, beloved Tri Delta Sister and a gift to all who were blessed with her friendships or community service. Lucky to have shared so many incredible times as our Phi Eta DDD Sisters gathered for many reunions and special times as part of our Fraternity and our special time at Texas Tech. May all find comfort for having known Kay Kring Key.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I met Kay as a Tri Delta pledge in 1980. Kay was my alumnae chapter advisor and she made our meetings so fun with her funny sense of humor. Once I married Sam, it was nice discovering Kay in Sam’s world, too! Sam and I named our daughter, Kay, because I admired several women named Kay. Kay holds a very special place in my heart. It was an absolute honor to know her!

White Florist's Choice was purchased for the family of Kay Key by Anonymous. Send Flowers

A tree was also planted in memory of Kay Key

Your family is in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time. Kay Key was a true angel.

White Florist's Choice was purchased for the family of Kay Key by The Faulkner Family. Send Flowers

A tree was also planted in memory of Kay Key

Please accept my sincere condolences, Jerrell and Holly and family. Though i never knew Kay, I do know we are never ready to see our loved ones go. You all are in my thoughts and prayers today.

Our prayers are with the family. Sadie and Gabriel

Love from your Adobe Walls Gin Family!

Florist's Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of Kay Key by Anonymous. Send Flowers

Kay and Chuck Key were unbelievably kind, generous and caring people to Cindy and I when we first moved to Lubbock. She became an older friend that we relied on many times throughout the years regarding many topics not just real estate. She and Chuck were a model to us and I will always be grateful for their friendship! I am thankful to know she is resting in the arms of The Savior now.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.