Johnny Kay

Johnny Lynn Kay passed away peacefully at home in Snowflake, Arizona, on June 28, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous nine-year battle with cancer.

Born October 15, 1947, in Snowflake to Ren and Julia (Ramsay) Kay, John was raised alongside his siblings: Ethel, Leo, Bonnie, and Hazel (stillborn). His childhood was filled with family businesses, faith, and responsibility. By age eight, he was already helping in the family's restaurant-peeling potatoes, mopping floors, and even stepping in as a cook.

He ran the family's pool hall as a boy and became a lifelong pool shark. He also had a passion for serving others, a love of fast cars, and a talent for fixing just about anything.

He met the love of his life, Beverlee Jean McGee, after playing in a band (because of course he was in a band). She introduced herself-and that was it. From that moment on, they were inseparable. For nearly 57 years of marriage, they built a beautiful life together, full of laughter, hard work, music, and deep devotion to family and faith.

John had a heart for service and wore many hats during his lifetime. He ran the Keams Canyon Trading Post, which included a store, gas station, motel, and restaurant. He also managed other stores on the reservation, launched a tow truck business, and helped create JBK Enterprises with Bev. He treated his employees like family and was known for quietly helping others through hard times, never seeking credit.

He was also a licensed pilot, scuba certified, a drag race champion, and someone who never hesitated to step in and get things done. "Don't be afraid, just do it" was more than a saying to him. It was how he lived.

John loved holidays and filled his home with decorations for Halloween, Christmas, and the Fourth of July. He collected Native American art, Santas, and eagles, and could often be found playing guitar, fixing something, or telling one of his classic jokes.

Above all, John's greatest joy was his family. He and Bev raised five children: Cheri (Kevin Cook), Donavon (Tara Willis), Terril (Christie Bowling), Brian (Michelle Mills), and Karolynn, his baby girl. He adored his 23 grandchildren, 33 if you count spouses-and he certainly did-and 19 great-grandchildren, with more on the way.

He taught by example. He showed his children how to work hard, show up for others, serve humbly, and love unconditionally, even when their choices were, let's just say, questionable.

John leaves behind a family who adored him, a community shaped by his example, and a legacy of faith, kindness, loyalty, and love. The world is quieter without his voice, dimmer without his smile, and a little less funny without his wit. But his spirit lives on in the hearts and stories of all who knew him, and in the way they love and serve others.

You were the heart of this family, Dad. And you always will be.

A viewing/visitation will be held Friday, July 11, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Owens Livingston Mortuary, 84 E. 19th St., Snowflake, Arizona. An additional viewing will take place Saturday, July 12th, 9:30-10:15 a.m. at the Pioneer Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 9th S, 2nd West, in Snowflake. Funeral Services will follow at 10:30 am.

Burial will take place at the R.V. "Mike" Ramsay Memorial Cemetery.