Kay Francis Kemper

Kay Francis Kemper, age 83, of Plymouth, IN, formerly of Cromwell, IN passed away at home on Thursday July 7, 2022. She was born at home, on June 11, 1939 in Nappanee, IN the daughter of Doris (Babcock) and Joe Stouder Jr.

Kay was a very devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother in her 83 years of life. She was born as the 3rd child in her family, growing up with her two brothers and a sister in Nappanee, Indiana. She loved her family, spending time with every family member whenever she could. She was very interested in her family history and spent hours documenting her family by taking pictures, scrapbooking and finding out about her genealogy.

Kay graduated from Nappanee High School in 1957 after spending time on her studies. Her best class was the home economics class where she cooked and learned to sew. She was also an active member of The Future Homemakers of America. Kay loved the art of drawing and with her art skills in high school she was the art editor for the D’Bulldog and Napanet School Newspapers. Her nickname for the newspaper was Kissable Kay! For her senior trip in May of 1957, Kay went with her class to New York City, here she saw the Rockettes perform at Radio City Music Hall. She loved this and stated that she “could have stayed and watched them again.”

Kay was a very hard working woman, being a mother first raising her 5 children and working at Maple Leaf Farms for a while and then eventually retiring from Nisco. She was very interested in the news and politics. Reading newspapers and clipping article after article, saving these as remembrances of events in her lifetime.

Kay was a woman who loved to be outside, working on her beautiful flowers and hostas, camping, fishing, watching racing, and spending time on the lake to see the sunsets in the evenings. She loved animals, no matter if it was a small crawling critter or one of her little dogs that she treated like family.

She continued her love of art throughout her lifetime, sitting by herself drawing or spending time with her many grand- and great-grandchildren coloring. Kay would do anything to spend time with the children in her life, vacationing, throwing fun Halloween parties, fishing, playing games with them, going to their sporting events or honors ceremonies, or just watching them grow.

Kay is survived by, three siblings, Jim Stouder, Jay (Barbara) Stouder, and Sally Wise; her children, Rick (Jan) Searls, Fred (Sheila) Searls, Jackie (Forest) Searls, and Anthony (Krista) Searls; grandchildren, Jack, Kristie, Tina, Ashley, Jessica, Taylor, Allison, Nick, William, Olivia, and Joseph; great-grandchildren, Alexzander, Hensly, Natalie, Wesley, Violet, Kamron, George, Liam, Jameson, Alice, Macey, Laney, Cooper, Harp, JoJo, and Rhylie.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Doris Stouder; a son, Jerry Searls; and a grandson, Steven Searls.

A graveside service will be held in Kay's honor at 1pm on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at Sparta Cemetery in Kimmell, IN. Pastor Brad Cox will officiate.

Memorial donations may be given in Kay’s honor to the Center For Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Pl, Mishawaka, IN 46545.