Kathryn Ruth Novotny
Kathryn Ruth “Kay” Novotny, 85, of Hart, passed away Monday, January 19, 2026, surrounded by family and friends at the Oceana County Medical Care Facility. She was born June 27, 1940, in Alma, the daughter of Frank and Bethel (Lampka) Stimson.
Kay was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. She enjoyed many activities throughout her life, such as gardening, bird watching, feeding hummingbirds, going fishing, camping trips with her friends and family, concerts, and antique shopping. Kay also found joy in handmade items, and loved painting and crafting.
Kay had a caring and nurturing way about her. She graduated from Alma High School and went on to graduate from Lansing Community College as a licensed practical nurse. Kay then lovingly cared for the community of Gratiot Medical Center for 42 years.
Kay became a Christian early in her life and she remained devout in her faith until her death. She loved her church family, and was involved in many church activities.
Kay is survived by her loving husband of 33 years, Selden Novotny; children, Rebecca (Michael) Jones, Melodie Raber, and Steven (Jennifer) Freed; grandchildren, Benjamin (Rachel) Raber and Zachary Freed; great-grandchildren, Bronx Jones and Jersey Jones, and their mother, Jennifer Jones, as well as Elizabeth Raber, and Lydia Raber; and son-in-law, Don Raber.
Kay was preceded in death by: her parents, Frank and Bethel Stimson; grandsons, Brian Jones and Brent Jones; and brothers, Frank Stimson and Kenneth Stimson.
Memorial services will be conducted at 1 p.m., Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Mears United Methodist Church, 1990 North 56th Avenue, Mears with a luncheon to follow. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org, or to the family to assist with expenses.
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
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