Karen “Kay” Sturtz, the daughter of Wallace Ray “W.R.” and Beulah (Chapman) Watkins, was born September 5, 1942, in Tarkio, Missouri. She attended Tarkio schools.

In 1968, Kay was united in marriage to Larry L. Sturtz and became the parents of three children, Sandy, Lorie, and Ron. They later divorced.

Kay was employed by Tarkio Rehabilitation and Health Care, Tarkio, as a Dietary Aide. She worked for 20 plus years, later retiring. She enjoyed playing Bingo and knitting. Kay especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Kay passed away Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Ambassador Health of Sidney, Sidney, Iowa, at the age of 82.

Besides her parents, Kay was preceded in death by her brother, Charlie Watkins. Survivors include children, Sandy (Leon) Noland, Tarkio, Lorie (Steve) Keithley, Omaha, Nebraska, and Ron (Isabel) Sturtz, Ledyard, Connecticut; grandchildren, Cody, Trenton, Brittany, Kendra, Sam, Ashley, Cole, Jacob, Vasco, Afonso, and Enzo; great-grandchildren, Toby, Marki, Novah, Kobe, Tavon, Kaylee Abel, and Marlee; siblings, Bonnie Novy, Jim and John Watkins; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held Monday, June 23, 2025, at Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio, conducted by Rev. Glenn Scott. Private family inurnment will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to Kay Sturtz Memorial Fund. Arrangements were under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio, Missouri. Online condolences may be made at www.minterfuneralchapels.com.