Evelyn "Kay" Huddleston

Evelyn "Kay" Huddleston, 82, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2024, with her loving husband of 59 years, Ken, by her side. 

Kay's life was a testament to love and faith. 

Born on March 28, 1942, in Oak Park, Illinois, to the late Frederic Carl and June Evelyn Thierbach, she and her two surviving brothers, Freddie and Eddie, graduated from Dundee High School.

Kay and Ken met at a college dance and married in 1965 after they both graduated from Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. She taught reading development to kindergarten through third graders in Green Lake, Wisconsin, for 23 years. 

She and Ken developed philanthropic programs such as the Huddleston Foundation at Illinois State University, worked in Christian ministries, served in food and clothes pantries, and called on the homebound. Her passion for education and commitment to young lives left an indelible mark on those she touched.

They made lifelong friends wherever they lived – in Ripon, Wisconsin, in Columbus, Ohio, in Crossville, Tennessee, and in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They shared a bond forged through a commitment to their marriage, faith and ministry work. They raised a daughter, Cheryl, and lovingly embraced their grandchildren Emily, Ashley and Nathan. 

Kay's strong faith served as a guiding light throughout her life. She sang hymns and read devotionals daily, continually keeping the Lord close to her heart as she struggled with Alzheimer’s in her final years.

Kay and Ken enjoyed spending time with family and friends and pursued hobbies such as flower gardening, traveling and birdwatching. They especially enjoyed summer trips to their beloved Lake Marion cabin in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. 

A memorial service was be held in Kay's honor to celebrate her remarkable life of kindness and selfless devotion to others. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Kay's memory to charitable organizations Kay supported or an organization of your choice. 

Kay will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved her. May we find solace in the memories we shared, and may her spirit live on in our hearts, a beacon of love, inspiration and faith for generations to come. 

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