Kay D. Knowles, age 89, of Monroe, passed away Sunday, March 29, 2026 at Medilodge of Monroe.
Kay was born January 11, 1937 in Constantine, MI, she was the daughter of Merton and Ruth (Irwin) Elliott. She married Ruben Knowles September 1, 1957 in Sturgis, MI, sadly he preceded her in death March 29, 1984.
Kay and Ruben moved to the Monroe area in 1978. She began working as a registered nurse at Mercy Memorial Hospital, she was proud to be a nurse and was the last nurse at the hospital to wear her nurse's cap every day. She had also worked at Frenchtown Convalescence Center. Kay retired in 1996.
She was a member of Stewart Road Church of God and enjoyed visiting with the church ladies.
Kay is survived by three children, Kimber (Rev. Lane) Vannatta of Williston, ND, Kristine (Abdul) Monnan of Monroe and Steven Knowles of Monroe; five grandchildren, Lisa (Jared) Fuqua, Lindsey (Jeremiah) Swathell, Luke Vannatta, Joshua (Sharlene) Vannatta and Connor (Reid) Knowles; six great grandchildren, Jordan, Mariah, Justin, Lily Alaska and Asher.
In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by her parents and a son-in-law, Kenneth Cooper.
Visitation will be held from 2 – 7 p.m. Thursday, April 2, 2026 at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, where funeral services will be held Friday at 10 a.m. Rev. Lane Vannatta, Kay's son-in-law, will officiate. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, LaSalle.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Stewart Road Church of God.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .