Kay Ann Quinn, 64, Salina, passed away August 27, 2026, at Salina Regional Health Center. Kay was born February 6, 1962, in Salina to Stanley and Jacquetta Sue (Wessel) Quinn.

She graduated from Bennington High School in 1980, where her athletic ability and competitive spirit were already on full display. A Kansas farm girl and accomplished young equestrian, Kay was also active in track and held the Bennington High School 400-yard dash record. Following high school, Kay attended Kansas Wesleyan University for two years, where she was involved in music, drama, volleyball and cheerleading. She later attended Kansas State University, graduating in 1985 with a degree in journalism and mass communications. After graduation, she worked for three years in Topeka at the State Treasurer’s Office.

Never one to stop learning or shy away from a new adventure, Kay enrolled at the University of Florida in Gainesville in 1988, studying international communications. In 1992, she attended summer school at the University of Mérida in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico. Kay’s professional life was as varied and energetic as she was. She worked on the editorial staff at Oxendine Publishing Company in Gainesville, writing for four magazines and traveling throughout the state to interview people. After several years, she established her own public relations company, specializing in strategic planning, media relations and image management.

In 2010, Kay returned home to Kansas. She worked at the Bicentennial Center in Salina before finding a special place at the City of Salina’s Arts and Humanities Department. For 10 years, she poured her heart and soul into planning and working the Smoky Hill River Festival, along with many other assignments. She later joined Kansas Wesleyan University as assistant director of stewardship and university events, remaining there until declining health led to her resignation.

Kay’s love of horses remained an important part of her life. She competed with her Quarter Horse, B-Bar, in KWHA and EKHA events, bringing home her share of trophies. More important than the awards, however, were the lifelong friendships she made along the way. She also progressed from being a K-State riding team member to membership in the U.S. Rowing Association and later became a certified registered judge for the Pan American Games. She was especially proud of being among the judges at the Atlanta Olympic Games.

Her Christian faith was strengthened during her years in Florida through Westside Baptist Church in Gainesville. Her faith led her on mission trips to St. Lucia, Barbados and Guatemala, as well as an 11-day journey to villages along remote stretches of the Amazon River in Brazil. Traveling with a 17-member team of pastors, teachers, doctors and nurses, Kay helped bring the Gospel and medical care to those communities. She especially enjoyed using her gifts of teaching and music, along with her knowledge of Spanish and Portuguese, to serve others.

Her volunteerism was exemplary. Numerous Salina organizations came to know Kay and the generous support she so freely gave. She was a member of Christ Episcopal Cathedral in Salina, a former active member of Altrusa and a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She traced her ancestry with great pride and believed deeply in honoring those who came before her.

Kay’s family and friends learned long ago not to tell her she can or cannot do something. Those words simply were not part of her vocabulary. She lived with determination, courage and an unmistakable spirit all her own.

Her life was one of courage, generosity, family, church and community. Among the words of wisdom she leaves behind are simple ones that reflect the way she lived:

Earth has lost someone irreplaceable, but Heaven has received someone precious.

She was preceded in death by her father, Stan; aunt, Dr. Joleen Bock; cousin; Gary Bock; and grandparents, Clarence and Theresa Quinn and Ralph and Helen Wessel.

Kay is survived by her mother, Sue Quinn; brother, Jay Quinn; special and dear friend, Cary Brinegar; uncle and aunt, Bob and Karen Quinn; faithful little dog, Tiny; and several cousins.

A Celebration of Kay’s Life will be at 1:00 P.M., Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the Bennington Bible Church, 824 N. Nelson, Bennington, KS 67422. Please come with short stories and memories to share. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Tammy Walker Cancer Center and left in care of Wilson Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 166, Minneapolis, KS 67467