Kay was born on January 31, 1947, in Wyandotte, MI, and was the oldest of Stanley and Ruby (Carnes) Rupert’s five children. In the spring of 1965, Kay graduated from George G. Schafer High School in Southgate, MI.
On March 30, 1974, Kay married Richard “Dick” A. Firster in Wyandotte, MI and they were blessed with 49 years together before his death on December 5, 2023. Together they raised 3 children and instilled in them the values of hard work, respecting others and loving one another.
Kay embraced motherhood and was involved in her children’s activities by being a 4-H leader and volunteering with her daughters’ Brownie Troop. She was very talented with her sewing and quilting projects and would often give away her basket weaving creations to family and friends. Kay enjoyed living in the log cabin she built with her husband and taking care of their cats, chickens, and goats. Her love of working with people was evident when she worked for the West Adrian United Church of Christ and later for Onsted Schools. Kay treasured her family and loved being a sister, wife, mother, aunt, and grandmother.
She will be missed by her children, Katie Cole (Scott Biehl), Jason (Danielle) Firster and Beth (Ty) Porter; grandsons, Evan and Wyatt Cole, Micah and Holden Firster, and Drew and Ian Porter; bonus family members, Jacqulyne, Kaliegh and Drake Biehl, and Ayla Gray; siblings, Michael (Debbie) Rupert, Ginger (Doug) Hassenzahl, Gwen (Douglas) Ruesink and Penny (Jerry) Wallace. Kay was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dick; niece, Michelle Rupert and great-nephew Logan Reinsel.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. at Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian with Rev. Larry Betz officiating. There will be a memorial visitation from Noon until the time of services at the funeral home. Kay will be laid to rest privately at East Rome Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association – Gaslight Assisted Living Team, Attn: Julie.
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