BLAIR, Kathryn "Kay"
BLAIR, TABOR
Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 4/10/2023 at 10:17:47
Kathryn Tabor Blair, 90, passed away Monday, November 5, 2018, at the Lamoni Care Center. She was born July 23, 1928, to Harold and Laura (Curtis) Tabor in Yuma County, Colorado. In 1945, the Tabor family relocated from Wray, Colorado to Lamoni, Iowa, where she lived a full life rich in family and friends. After earning an AA degree from Graceland College, Kay decided that nursing was the most interesting career choice and her true calling. She graduated as a Registered Nurse from the Independence Sanitarium in 1953.
Her career as a nurse spanned 30 years, with Kay working at Ringgold County Hospital, Lamoni Nursing Home, and Graceland College Health Care Center. After retirement, she continued her work in health care in the Lamoni area. Kay served on the Decatur County Women’s Project which encouraged women to get annual mammograms. Her devotion to this cause was due in part to her sister Corinne’s early death to breast cancer. One of her main passions was running six blood drives each year. Since 2004, Kay was responsible for hosting 78 blood drives, which had an impact on 7,221 lives.
Community involvement was a legacy handed down from her parents and was vitally important to her as well. Kay was a lifelong and devoted member of the Community of Christ church. She served as a leader and member of several community organizations for many years including T.O.P.S, Share, and Kin Club. Kay was honored to be named jointly with her husband, Alma, as Citizens of the Year in 2008, by the Lamoni Area Chamber of Commerce.
Family always came first for Kay. She served as the peacemaker, stabilizing force, and calm center of the family. Her children sought out her wise and practical advice during times of trouble. Her grandchildren were comforted by her unconditional love for them, finding security in her home and arms. However, Kay was no wilting flower; more the sagebrush of her birthplace, Eastern Colorado. She embodied the virtues of fierce independence, clear-eyed pragmatism, and grounding humor that helped her endure and thrive during tough times. Kay was proud to call herself a feminist, steeped in the rights of women at an early age.
Kay is survived by her husband of 67 years, Alma Blair, their four children, Kathy Elliott, Diane Kunzler, David (Chris) Blair, and Bruce Blair, 11 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. Kay is also survived by her brother Jim Tabor, and many extended family members.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Laura Tabor, sisters Corinne and Nancy, brother Eugene, and great-grandchildren Eli and Lily.
A service to celebrate and honor her life will be held starting at 10:00 a.m., December 8, 2018, at the Community of Christ Church, 531 W. Main, Lamoni, Iowa, with a reception to follow. A private burial will take place at Rose Hill Cemetery at a later date.
The family encourages donations of blood to be given to Life Serve Blood Center in honor of Kay Blair. In lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be directed to the Kay Blair Memorial Fund.
Slade-O'Donnell Funeral Home, Leon, IA
Decatur Obituaries maintained by Constance McDaniel Hall.
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