Kay F. (Clifford) Reiter came into the world on March 28, 1943, in Hutchinson, to Fabrin (Fay) Clifford and Frances L. (Beck) Clifford. This special angel passed away on February 5, 2023, at Hospice House of Reno County. She was 79 years of age.
Kay’s ‘Love Language’ was to serve and care for others. This was observed at an early age by family and later led her to pursue a career in nursing. Kay was a graduate of Hutchinson High School, class of 1961. She began her career in healthcare as a Candy Striper at Grace Hospital. Kay then worked as a nurse aid at St Elizabeth Hospital and graduated from the L.P.N School of Nursing in McPherson. She continued to work at St. Elizabeth through the merger of both hospitals and ultimately Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. Kay retired after 46 years of service. During these years she was an active member of AWHONN - Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses.
Kay was a member of Eastern Star for 50 years. She was an excellent cook. Kay was an avid crafter and amateur photographer. She painted, crocheted, made cards and other paper crafts. Kay was also known as a collector of angels.
On October 26, 1966, she married Lester Marvin Reiter in Topeka, after successfully completing her Nursing Board Examination.
From this marriage, she received three stepdaughters, René (Scott) Griedel, Lynn Polston, and Lori (Monte) Dunkel, then in 1967, her daughter Kelly (Wes) Collins was born.
Kay is survived by: her husband, Marvin Reiter; brother, Rodger Clifford of Sierra Vista, AZ; daughters, René (Scott) Griedel of Clarksville, PA, Lynn Polston of Hutchinson, Lori (Monte) Dunkel of Glendale, AZ, Kelly (Wes) Collins of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Ryan Griedel of Clarksville, PA, Sable (Tom) Cordell of Pittsburgh, PA, Shelby Lynn Dunkel of Boston, MA, Chase Uehara of Kansas City, MO, Rylee Dunkel of Glendale, AZ, Kathrine Collins of Hutchinson; honorary daughter, Renee (Vernon) Miller of Hutchinson, and honorary son, Dr. John Fan of Hutchinson.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a grandson, Christopher Griedel.
A Celebration of Life is planned for 2 p.m. February 11, 2023, at Elliott Chapel.
Friends may sign her memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday thru Friday, with the family present to receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cancer Council of Reno County or Hospice House of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.