Kathryn "Kay" E. (Engle) Nedervelt

Kathryn “Kay” Ellen Nedervelt passed away peacefully at home on Saturday,

March 18, 2023. She was born April 2, 1944, in Kalamazoo MI the daughter of George and Kathryn (Engel) Pavey and had been a lifelong area resident.

Kay was the only girl of five children and learned so much from the brothers she adored. Dating was a serious challenge as her brothers chased off all would-be suitors. Duane, an established friend of the brothers, surmounted this formidable barrier. Kay married Duane on July 6, 1963. They were married for 57 years before Kay lost the love of her life.

Kay was a member of the Portage Free Methodist Church for over 30 years where she worked with the youth, served in the nursery, and directed VBS crafts. She and Duane were members of the Kalamazoo Downstreamers canoe club. They enjoyed hosting church groups and Downstreamers at their property ‘Rocky Pines’ in Northern Michigan.

Though she worked at a grocery store and the Upjohn Company, Kay’s dream job was being a mom. Before having children of her own, she and Duane fostered many children with the desire to adopt every one that passed through her home.  Being a mom to Kenny, Libbie and Caralee was a joy.  The death of her son Kenny, only 11, left a lifelong heartache. Navigating grief and sorrow was a hard road. Her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ was her only hope in life and death. Kay poured herself into what she prized, loving on children. She had a daycare in her home for many years and loved other people's children while they worked. Kay extended her nurturing in the home long after children.  She cared for both her mother for two years and her mother-in-law for six years. She also delighted in each of her seven grandchildren, who brought her many years of joy and laughter. With her love of people, it’s not surprising that through the years, Kay and Duane gathered many “extra” children and grandchildren into their lives. Kay cherished, served, and encouraged them to her last breath. In her downtime you could find her crocheting. She would make prayer blankets for everyone, praying as she worked until her hands didn’t.

Duane A. Nedervelt preceded Kay in death on May 23, 2021. Kay was also preceded in death by her parents; a son, Kenny Nedervelt; and a brother, Steven Pavey. Kay is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth “Libbie” (Jeff) Wetters and Caralee (Mark) Ehrhardt; grandchildren, Red and Jarrett Wetters and Josh, Tim, Ian, Luke, and Leah Ehrhardt; many other adopted children and grandchildren; brothers, Bruce (Janet) Pavey, Brian (Connie) Pavey, and Dean Pavey; and several nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial visitation will be held 10-11am Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Renovation Church, 1715 W. Centre Ave, Portage MI 49024, where services will begin at 11am. A luncheon will follow the service. In lieu of flowers please consider a gift to Susan G. Komen for the Cure https://www.komen.org

Arrangements entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S. 9th St, Kalamazoo MI 49009. To view Kay’s personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com