Kay Karen Mairs

Kay Karen Mairs (Tams), 85, a longtime resident of Ashton, Illinois, passed away on October 21, 2026, after a lengthy illness. Born on November 9th, 1940, in Traer, Iowa, to William and Elsie Tams. She married the love of her life, Robert, in The Little Brown Church in the Vale on May 18th, 1963. Kay built a life deeply rooted in family and love.

Kay was truly the heart of her family. A warm and welcoming presence, she loved hosting holiday gatherings at her home, creating cherished traditions and memories that her family will carry with them forever. She started in the work force as a hairdresser from her basement in Dysart, Iowa. Her family eventually settled in Ashton, and she worked for ten years at Crest Foods but always found her greatest joy in simply spending time with her loved ones. She especially treasured the moments she shared with her grandchildren, who meant the world to her.

She leaves behind a beautiful legacy and will be deeply missed by her husband, Robert; her three children, Carrie Mairs of Ashton, Jeff Mairs of Franklin Grove, and David (Michelle) Mairs of Ashton; her seven grandchildren; Ashley Mairs, TylerMairs, Ryan(Alyssa) Mairs, Emily Lessman, Kimberlee(Kyle) McClanahan, Troy(Elizabeth) Mairs and Adam(Kylie) Mairsand her eleven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Elsie, and her brother, Terry Tams.

A private memorial funeral service will be held by the family at Beverage Lyons Funeral home in Ashton. Cards and condolences may be sent in care of Kay Mairs to the funeral home.