With much sorrow, we announce the passing of Kay Conrad, age 73 of Portage. Kay left us on July 20, 2026, at Bronson Methodist Hospital. She was surrounded by family members and close friends. She left us all too soon, but she leaves behind a life cherished by those who knew and loved her.
Kay was born April 21, 1953, in Battle Creek the daughter of James and Doris (Smith) Conrad. She was a graduate of Loy Norrix High School and Kalamazoo Valley Community College. She took great pride in her work as an accountant at Peerless Water Treatment, where she was employed since 1982. She truly enjoyed her profession, and co-workers. Her work life reflected her personal life, marked by dedication, attention to detail, and integrity. Kay enjoyed reading, solving puzzles and word games, playing guitar, attending antique fairs, and gathering with friends/family. She was a strong presence in the Kalamazoo Women’s Community. She was a former officer of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, and board member of the Kalamazoo Women’s Golf Association. She enjoyed golfing, and was never shy about dropping a few four-letter words during the round. The woman had a strong will and an independent mind. Her opinions were her own, and had no trouble sharing them. Oh, and don’t even think about sitting in her chair (IYKYK). Kay was a dog lover through and through. She had an endless amount of love for her animals, through the years. We’re giving a shout out to her final dog, Owen, who was undoubtedly, her pride and joy, when she died. She is survived by her life partner, Karen Powers; sister, Nancy Smith; cousin, Larry (Nancy) Bush; nephew Tim (Amy) Ford; niece, Jamiee (Rob Dow) Smith; great nieces and nephews, Autumn Ford, Trevor Ford, Morgan McCue, Gabriel McCue; mother-in-law, Mary L Powers, brothers-in-law, Mike (Libby) Powers, Robert (Kathleen) Powers, Mark (Terri) Powers; sister-in-law, Kathy (Mike) McVay. She was preceded in death by her parents; father-in-law, John Powers; two brothers-in-law, Robert Ford, Tom Smith. Beyond her family, Kay leaves behind countless friends who were an important part of her life.