Helen Kaye Gay

Helen Kaye Gay, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, departed this world on December 25, 2024, in Sizerock, Kentucky at the age of 77. She was born on February 17, 1947, in Leslie County, where her heart began to bloom as she embraced life with her signature friendly and outgoing personality.

Helen dedicated her life to her family, fulfilling her role as a homemaker with unwavering love and commitment. Her proudest accomplishments included nurturing her children, sharing joy with her grandchildren, and welcoming the smiles of her great-grandchildren. She poured her heart into every meal she cooked and every story she shared, establishing a legacy of warmth and devotion that will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

In addition to her love for family, Helen found joy in many activities that enriched her life. She was an avid reader, always lost in the pages of a captivating book. Shopping brought her joy, and she cherished the serenity of bird watching. Her kindness extended further as she lovingly babysat for family and friends. Each moment spent in the kitchen was a chance for her to create delicious meals and sweet treats that became a hallmark of family gatherings.

Helen will be deeply missed by her husband, Jack B. Gay, along with her two children, Megan Gay and Jacky Gay (Martha). Her grandchildren: Ashley Crawford, Garry Allen Crawford, and Samantha Gay. Her great-grandchildren: Kiara Brumley, Jack Brumley, and Grant Brumley. She leaves behind a loving circle of siblings: Clarence Collins (Stephanie), Charles Collins (Linda), Rosa Lee Couch (Kenneth), Mary Smith (Terry), Brenda Gay (Ronnie), Carol Hensley, Vickie Butler (Richard), and Pamela Brock (Matthew), sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Ibbie Sue Gay, Janie Gay, Jerry Gay, Jimmy Gay (Darlene) Julie Gay, Carol Jean Rankins (Butch) Julie Van Horne (Eric), Louise Gibson, and Ronnie Gay (Brenda). Each cherished memory they hold will keep her spirit alive, reminding them of the love and joy she spread throughout her life.

She is reunited in spirit with her parents, Charlie Collins and Nellie Young Collins, as well as her siblings who have passed: Clyde Collins, Geneva Ison, Wilma Rice, Pauline Hensley, Rachel Gilbert, and nephew Bobby Wayne Rice. Also waiting for her are her brothers-in-law, Lawrence Rice, Chuck Osborne, Rollo Ison, Junior Gay, Arnold Gibson, along with her father-in-law, Harlin Gay & mother-in-law, Claire Gay

A visitation to celebrate Helen's life will be held on Saturday,  December 28, 2024, from 6 PM to 9 PM at Walker Funeral Homes in Hyden, Kentucky. This will be followed by a funeral service at the Sizerock Baptist Church on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at 1 PM with Rev. George Abner officiating. The interment will follow the service on Sunday at the Gay Family Cemetery located at Sizerock, KY. The following will serve as pallbearers, Brent Collins, Ricky Ison, Johnathan Gay, Jamie Roberts, Will Smith & Ronnie Roberts.

As we come together to honor Helen's life, we are reminded of the love she shared so generously and the indelible impact she made on each person she encountered. Her memory will forever be enshrined in our hearts, as we carry forward the warmth and kindness she exemplified in everything she did.

In lieu of flowers and keepsakes, the family has requested that donations be made to the University of Kentucky Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Research Fund at the link below: 

https://medicine.uky.edu/centers/sbcoa/donor-opportunities