Kathryn "Kay" E. (Sanford) Meisenhelder

Kay Sanford Meisenhelder, 97, of Owensboro, went to Cleveland Tuesday, March 5, 2024 while under the care of Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky.  She was born August 30, 1926 in Simpsonville, KY,  to the late Harry and Miranda Perry Sanford.  She married her husband of 59 years, Paul Albert “Jake” Meisenhelder in 1946 in New Albany, Indiana.  They lived on Stewart Court in Owensboro most of their lives.  She most recently was a resident at One Park Place and always had a kind word for her caregivers.  Many people knew her as Mom, Kay, Grandma, Grandma Kay, and Aunt Sis.   She extolled the value of walking for exercise, even convincing a growing group of residents to walk with her twice daily.  She volunteered at the Help Office and Owensboro Health Regional Hospital for many years and was known for her kindness, sense of humor, and love of shoes.   She regrets to inform you that from now on, you will have to buy your own shoes, but you’re welcome to grab a Coke.

 Her Catholic faith was very important to her, and she always found something to be proud of in everyone she met.  She made sure that everyone in her large circle knew what everyone else was up to and was a lifelong Democrat, an avid reader, and supporter of veterans and unions.   Kay made a mean pumpkin roll and knit her way through most every UK Wildcats basketball game.  She always had your favorite dessert on hand, and whether you needed a Coke or a place to stay, she always had your back.

 She was also preceded in death by her husband, Paul Albert “Jake” Meisenhelder, on December 22, 2004, brothers, Thomas Sanford and Bud Sanford, and sisters, Mary Aileen “Judy” Flynn and Lucille “Punch” Cole.   

 Surviving are her sons, Joe Meisenhelder (Joanne) of Citra, Florida, Mike Meisenhelder (Karen) and Steve Meisenhelder (Nancy), all of Owensboro; nine grandchildren, Jeffrey Meisenhelder, April Moon, Cindi Blyberg, Mandy Turner, Jennifer Meisenhelder, Shawn Mayfield, Todd Mayfield, Katie Argo and Chad Mayfield; 15 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  

 A funeral Mass for Kay will be Noon Friday, March 8, at St. Stephen Cathedral with burial following in Resurrection Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9 AM until 11:30 AM Friday at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory.

 Memorial contributions may be made to Daviess County Special Olympics, P. O. Box 764, Owensboro, KY   42302 or to Disabled American Veterans of Cincinnati, Ohio, P. O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH  45250-0301.  Messages and condolences to the family can be shared at www.glenncares.com.