Wilma "Kay" Abel was born June 4, 1940, in Pierre, South Dakota, the daughter of Myrna (Boal) and Wilmer Abel.
Kay started her education in the Presho elementary school. In the fall of 1951, she moved with her family to Murdo, where her father was employed. She graduated from elementary school in the spring on 1955. In the fall of 1955, she moved with her family to Midland, where her father was employed. Kay graduated from Midland High School in 1959.
In 1960, she attended and graduated from Greenes School of Cosmetology in Rapid City, working for a short time at the Beauty Shop in Murdo, but due to health reasons had to quit. In the spring of 1961, she went to work at the Quinn Hospital until it closed in 1964.
In 1963, she was united in marriage to Norman Payne in Pierre, SD. To this union were two children Douglas in 1963 and Kaelyn in 1970. In 1977, Kay went to work for the Haakon School District in the Dietary Department until December 1999.
Kay loved to quilt and made over 100 baby blankets. She spent many hours in her garden and flower bed. Norm and Kay enjoyed their RV, and traveled to all 50 states as well as all the providences of Canada and most of the territories.
She is a member of the United Church and the United Church Women of Philip.
Grateful for sharing her life is her husband of 52 years Norman "Norm" Payne of Philip; daughter Kaelyn McSherry and her husband Chris of Rapid City; granddaughters Ashley Neville of Mesa, Arizona, and Taylor McSherry of Rapid City; two grandsons Drill Sgt. Derek "DJ" Neville and his wife Amanda of Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, and Kyle McSherry of Rapid City; one sister Miriam Schilling and her husband Ivan of Gillette, Wyoming; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her son Douglas on September 1, 1999; her parents; and one brother Robert.
Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. on Monday, December 7, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip.
Memorial services will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 8th, at the United Church in Philip, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.
Private entombment at Pine Lawn Cemetery in Rapid City will take place at a 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 8th.
Guest Book
Norm & Kalynn,
Our thoughts & Prayers are with all of You, at your time of Loss. Lean on the Lord for the strength to get thru the upcoming days. Sincerely, Kathy & Jerry.
~ Jerry & Kathy S. Noteboom
Yuma, Az. (12/5/2015)
Norm and Family
We are thinking of you in this time of sorrow. May you know we are all holding you up in prayer and the Kay is resting in a very special place. Many hugs and prayers to you in your time of sorrow.
God Bless
David, Michelle, Kelcey, Katie & Lukas Butler
~ Michelle Butler
Philip, SD (12/7/2015)
Norm, I am so sorry for your loss. Seeing and visiting with you and Kay was always so much fun. Now I have lost the of my life too. Our hearts are broken and I wonder if they will ever mend. Norm, know that you are in my thoughts and prayers forever. Stupid cancer. 💜
~ Sheila Hurst
Murdo sd (12/11/2015)
So sorry to hear of Kay's passing. Her lovely smile and friendly demeanor will sure be missed. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Shirley
~ Shirley Chin
Philip, South Dakota (12/7/2015)
Norm and Kaelyn you are in our thoughts and prayers. Kay was a wonderful lady whose terrific smile brightened everyone's life. God bless your family.
~ Jerald and Andrea Cook
Cottonwood, SD (12/5/2015)
Kay was a wonderful lady!! I always enjoyed our talks and loved hearing about her travels. I will really miss her. Thoughts and prayers always.
~ Doreen Vetter
Philip, SD (12/7/2015)
I babysat for Norm and Kay when Doug was just a young boy. My thoughts and prayers go out to Norn and Kaelyn. Kay was a wonderful person.
~ Pamela Schuler Paff
Phoenix,AZ. (12/5/2015)
Kaelyn,
We are so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. You were so kind to me when my mom died...if there is anything I can ever do, please know that I am here. We are praying for you and your family during this difficult time. God bless.
~ Samantha, Troy, Braydon and Brett Spear
Black Hawk, SD (12/6/2015)
Norm and Family: So sorry to learn of Kay's passing. She was a special lady. May the love of family and friends help comfort you at this time.
~ Dave & Karen Webb
Rapid City, SD (12/6/2015)
Sorry to hear about Kay's passing. Thinking of all of you at this time of sorrow and praying for your comfort in knowing that she is in a better place now with no pain. We are glad we spent time with her the last time we were in Philip and had a nice visit to remember. Sympathy to all. Cork and Bev
~ Cork & Bev Jahner
Kerrville, Texas (12/5/2015)
Remember the good times and always keep them in your heart.
~ Jim and Vonnie O'Dea
Howes, SD (12/7/2015)
We extend our deepest sympathy to Kay's Family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Rosetta Royer and Lloyd
Waukee, Iowa (12/5/2015)
Norm and family, so sorry about Kay,s passing. She was such a special lady and we thought so much of her. God bless all of you as you walk this difficult journey.
~ Larry and Vicki Neiderworder
Philip,sd (12/6/2015)
Norm, Kaelyn and Family, We are very sorry to hear of Kay's passing, she was such a beautiful person, may God's Blessings be with you and your family at this time. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you.
~ Dave & Cheryl Dick
Huron (12/7/2015)
I'm so sorry to hear this Kay has always been a very special person to me. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
~ Chase Sanftner
Black Hawk (12/5/2015)
Thoughts and prayers are with Norm and the remainder of the family. I am glad I got a chance to visit with both of you just the other day. It was pleasant seeing both of you. I remember working with Kaye when she was employed at the school, she was a very creative lady. Hold on to the priceless moments.
~ Amelia Hurley
Philip, Sd (12/5/2015)
I'm sorry to hear about Kay. Prayers to your family.
~ Melissa Reckling
Rapid City (12/6/2015)
So sorry to hear of Kay's passing. May God comfort you and your family during this difficult time. Prayers to all.
~ Joe and Betty Lou Stratton
Kadoka, SD (12/6/2015)
Norm & Kalynn & family, Sorry to hear of Kay's passing. She was wonderful lady. Our prayers & thoughts are with you.
~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler
Sturgis, S. D. (12/5/2015)