Carolyn "Kay" Irvin, 87, of Adrian, Missouri, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026, at her home. Funeral services were held on Friday, September 4, 2026, at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Adrian, MO, with  interment at Crescent Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers or plants, memorial contributions may be made to either the Adrian Rural Fire Department or the Adrian Optimist Community Betterment Foundation, Inc. 

Where do we begin? As we bid farewell to and celebrate the life of this exceptional lady, Kay Irvin. In our sorrow, we find comfort in the fact that she is made new again in the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

As we celebrate the life of Kay, may we remember her dedication to her family, friends, and her beloved dog Libby. We will cherish the time spent with "Miss Kay' or "Momma Kay" as we all knew her, and we know that she is no longer in pain and is reunited with the love of her life, Gene.

Kay was born on June 23, 1939, to Herbert and Cora (Rice) Hand in St. Clair County. Kay attended Appleton City High School and graduated in 1957. After high school, Kay attended cosmetology school in Pittsburg, Kansas, and later worked as a cosmetologist at Goldies on the square in Butler. Kay had a special flair for hair, fashion, design, clothing, and behavior...and wasn't afraid to call someone out that was in violation of any of these. Namely...hair, fashion, design, clothing, and behavior. And she wasn't shy about telling it like it was. Just ask her daughters Lecia and Lori. More than once they heard, "Are you really going out in public wearing that?" or "Did you mean for your hair to look that way?" Very matter-of-fact. Honestly, in its purest form. Kay married the love of her life, Gene Irvin, on August 23, 1959. To this union, two children were born, Lecia and Lori. Gene and Kay's first date was in 1952. Gene was sixteen, and Kay was thirteen. Kay always said, "That's OK, he thought that I was fourteen." True love knows no age...knows no bounds. Kay just knew from the very beginning that Gene was the one. Gene and Kay treasured their fifty-five-year union. Had Gene survived, they would have celebrated sixty-seven years of marriage this year. Such a blessing that they are reunited once again.

Gene and Kay were die-hard Pitt State Fans and supported the school and their football teams throughout the years. Go Gorillas. Gene and Kay loved the lake life. They loved traveling and spending time with their longtime friends Leroy and Karen. Kay stated that the very best vacation they ever had was a cruise with Leroy and Karen. Kay and Karen shared a special bond and many of the same interests. Getting their nails done, shopping, bingo, and the riverboat casinos. Harrah's seemed to have a special appeal to them. And they seemed drawn to the video poker machines. They called it "Going to Work." At times it wasn't your normal shift, working twenty-four hours straight, and watching each other's machine while the other one went to the restroom. It was a grueling example of dedication and determination. With time, the newness wore off, and they directed their energy towards other endeavors.

Kay had a sweet tooth. This was evident by the numerous candy dishes throughout her home. And her favorite seemed to be cookies and Diet Coke. Kay was never a big breakfast eater, but in recent weeks for breakfast she requested two biscuits with butter and strawberry jelly, and a cookie. Kay's favorite holiday was Christmas. In her final days with us, a beautiful Christmas Tree with twinkling red and green lights was set up directly across the room from her special recliner where she found rest. Kay was a Charter Member of Beta Sigma Phi. She was the owner of the Adrian Bank and served on the board of directors for many years. Kay is survived by her daughters Lecia and fiancé Kenneth, Lori Haskins and husband Paul Joseph, one brother-in-law Roger Irvin and wife Carol, all of Adrian, and a long line of extended family, friends, and loved ones. Kay was very dear to those close to her and will be greatly missed.

Kay is preceded in death by her husband Gene and parents Herbert and Cora Hand.