Kay Elaine Sullivan

Kay E. Sullivan, 80, passed away Thursday, May 17, 2018 at Presbyterian Manor in Emporia.

Kay Elaine Thorne was born July 13, 1937 near Lebo, the daughter of Glen Evan and Irene Mary (Protheroe) Thorne.  She graduated from Lebo High School in 1955 and received an associates degree from Kansas State Teachers College.  After college she worked at the Kansas state capital as a secretary.

She was joined in marriage to George Sullivan on August 2, 1958 in Emporia.  To this union two daughters were born, Tammy and Tina. While George served in the United States Air Force, Kay took care of the kids and was a homemaker for her family wherever George was stationed. She enjoyed painting ceramics.  After George’s retirement from the Air Force she worked at Emporia State University in Transcripts and Records and worked her way to Supervisor.  After retirement she enjoyed antiquing and collecting Vaseline Glass. She was a strong supporter of Emporia State University and a big fan of KU Basketball and Kansas City Chiefs football. She loved attending Lebo sporting events to watch her family, and especially loved following her granddaughters in their athletics and activities in Russell. Her three granddaughters were the light of her life.

Kay will be forever remembered by her husband, George, of the home; two daughters, Tammy (Mark) Ptacek of Russell, KS; Tina (Bryon) Arb of Topeka; a sister, Glenda (Jack) Failing of Lebo: a sister in law, Joan Adkins and three granddaughters, Victoria, Alexandra and Samantha Ptacek.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Harlan Thorne, brother-in-law, Jerry Adkins.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held ‪at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Emporia.  Rosary will be recited Monday at 6:30 p.m. with family receiving friends after rosary ‪till 8 p.m. at Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home in Lebo.  Memorial contributions may be to Alzheimer Association or Lebo Booster Club.and sent in care of Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home, ‪107 W. Sixth, P.O. Box 43, Lebo, KS 6656.  Condolences may be expressed at ‪vanarsdalefs.com.