M. Kay Classon

M. Kay Classon, 84, of Ottawa, IL, passed away Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at LaSalle County Nursing Home. Graveside service will be on Monday, October 10, at 1:30 pm at West Serena Cemetery, with Pastor Jennifer Amy-Dressler officiating. Cremation rites have been accorded to Ottawa Funeral Home. A celebration of her life is planned for a later date. Kay was born August 9, 1938, in Clinton, IN, to Maynard and Mary (Clark) Malone. She married Thomas R. Classon on June 29, 1958 in Ottawa, IL. He passed away April 18, 2019. Kay spent her life in Ottawa after her family moved there when she was a teen. She was a graduate of OTHS and attended Northern Illinois University. A musician most of her life, she was a pianist and active in choir. She infused her family with a love of music and travel. Her musical taste was eclectic, ranging from Chopin to show tunes to Willie Nelson. Kay and Tom loved to road trip the US, often by motorcycle; she was the catalyst for their trips to Europe and China.

Furthering a career that began in Ottawa, Kay accepted a position as a legal secretary/assistant in Chicago in 1980 where she worked until her retirement nearly thirty-five years later. She loved working in the city and all of the friends she made there.

Kay was curious, opinionated yet open minded, often ahead of her time, and was always interested in new experiences. She enjoyed gardening, a great book, and a lively political discussion. It will come as no surprise then that she wanted us to include this advice: Vote. Her last word, if you will. She is survived by her daughter, Marsali Classon of Waukegan, IL; son, Richard Classon of Ottawa; grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Richard T. & Abigail Classon of Whitewater, WI; along with many friends and extended family.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Gayla Dorris.

Memorials may be directed to Open Table UCC of Ottawa or Camp Tuckabatchee, Ottawa.