Mary Kathryn "Kay" O'Neill
March 15, 2013
Mary Kathryn “Kay” Tuttle O’Neill, 77, passed away Friday, March 15, 2013, at Mercy Medical Center.
Kay was born October 5, 1935, in Helena, Montana. She attended grade school and high school in Billings, Montana. Following graduation, she attended St. Mary College in Leavenworth, Kansas, where she earned a two-year teaching certificate and taught grade school. Kay then returned to Montana and graduated from Eastern Montana College in Billings. In December of 1957, Kay was with her childhood friend at the J Bar T Country Western Lounge when she met the love of her life, Edwin O’Neill. They were married on June 20, 1959. They had two children while Ed was in the Air Force, sons Brian and Shawn. Upon Ed’s completion of his military service, the couple moved to Des Moines, and daughter, Erin, and son, Tim were born.
For many years Ed and Kay were members of Visitation Catholic Church. Kay worked very hard to keep the church and school strong. She served as president of the school board and also on the board of the diocese. She chaired eight fall dinners to raise funds for the church and school, which are still open today. She was greeted as “Hey, Hey, Mama Kay” by many of kids who considered her to be their second mom.
Kay is survived by her husband of 53 years, Edwin; sons, Shawn (Jennifer) of Des Moines, and Tim (Laney) of Federal Way, WA; daughter, Erin (Richard) Stoen of Johnston; daughter-in-law, Paula O’Neill of Des Moines; eleven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and her cousin, Bob Andrews. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her son, Brian O’Neill.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 21, 2013, at Visitation Catholic Church, 1271 E. 9th Street, followed by burial at 12:30 p.m., at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., with the Rosary recited at 7 p.m., Wednesday, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Joe & Sandy Ellis
03/26/2013
So sorry to hear about Kay. She was a great champion for Visitation School and we knew our kids were getting an excellent eduation with Kay watching over the program. We also enjoyed her friendship and her jokes. We were out of town for the funeral and regret not being able to share our feelings personally. Our best to all of you: Ed, Erin, Shawn and Tim.
KATHY MCDOLE
03/21/2013
ED AND FAMILY. I'M SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT KAY. I JUST SAW IT IN THE PAPER TODAY OTHERWISE I WOULD HAVE CAME TO THE FUNERAL. MY MOM AND DAD LOVED YOU AND KAY SO MUCH. I BET MOM AND KAY ARE PLAYING CARDS RIGHT NOW. AGAIN, I AM SO SORRY!
Richard Thomas
03/19/2013
Edwin....Sorry to hear about the loss of your wife.
I think you and I joined the Air Force the same day (April 19th 1957) and went to Lackland
AFB. After basic we returned to DM and you drove me home to Newton. Contact me at rwmgthom@iowatelecom.net
Trish
03/18/2013
I have only known Kay for a short time and she was a very sweet lady...you will be missed.
Michelle (Stith) Goodwin
03/17/2013
I have fond memories of Great Aunt Kay may she be at peace.
Joe Fleming
03/17/2013
Ed, Shawn, Erin, and Tim,
I am very sorry for your loss. Kay was always great to me and fun to be with. My prayers are with you. Joe
Jamie (O'Neill) Stith
03/17/2013
God bless all of you. Aunt Kay will be missed. Love you all!!!