Obituary of Kay Saunders Powell

Kay Saunders Powell (Nancy Kay Saunders) wife, mother, grandmother and friend passed away peacefully Sunday, Dec 13, 2020 at Watauga Medical Center, Boone, NC. She was loved deeply by her family and friends. Kay was born in Manhattan, Kansas in July 1940. As a young girl she moved with her family and settled in Fresno. Kay attended primary, junior and high school, graduating from Fresno High in 1959. During high school she met the love of her life, Ken- they were married in 1960 and remained married over 60 years. Together they raised three daughters and lived in Carmichael, Ca for 42 years. She attended American River College and earned an Associate's Degree in Business. Kay earned her real estate license and enjoyed working as a Real Estate agent for Coldwell Banker, an avid knitter with the Sacramento Stockinettes Guild and an accomplished gourmet cook. She especially enjoyed cooking and baking for friends and family. In 2017, Kay and Ken along with their cat Mitzy, moved to Linville Land Harbor in Linville NC. Here she became part of the knitting group Chix with Stixs in Lenoir, NC. Kay is survived by her husband Ken, daughters Kari McMichael (Robert) of Beech Mountain, NC, Kimberly Wagoner (Dennis) of Fair Oaks, CA and Kelly Powell of Windsor, CA. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren, Ken Choate (Meghan) of West Sacramento, CA, Zachary McMichael (Ashley) of St. Louis, MO, Noah McMichael of Easton, PA, Kaylee Choate of Sacramento, CA, Elizabeth McMichael of St. Louis, MO, Teryn Kelley and Ursula Richardson of Petaluma, CA. Kay is survived by 3 siblings Gail Goulding (Dave) of Michigan, Edwin (Mac) Saunders (Janice) of California and Gerald Saunders (Sandy) of California. Cards and condolences can be mailed to the home, 2748 LLH, Newland, NC 28657. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date when family and friends may gather safely. The family wishes to recognize the staff of Watauga Medical Center ICU and Caldwell County Hospice for their excellent care and comfort during this difficult time. Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Powell family.