Eva "Kay" Giddis

Eva “Kay” Giddis, 79, lifetime resident of Traverse City, passed away on Friday February 24, 2023 at Munson Medical Center with dignity and class and a dollop of sass. Kay was born on August 13, 1943 to the late Donald and Emma (Juhnke) King. She was one of three children. After graduating high school, Kay married her sweetheart Jerry Giddis and together they raised three kids with strong personalities and opinions; Kevin, Mark and Tammy. After being a stay at home mom and neighborhood mom to all kids, on her 43rd birthday, draped with the valedictorian cords of NMC, Kay received her license as an LPN II, which was her lifelong dream. She began her medical career at a young age working at Medical Care, Osteopathic Hospital, and Munson Medical Center. Kay was a FANTASTIC nurse, and had to retire in 1995, not because she wanted to, but some health issues required her to. During her life, she also found time to volunteer at Hospice, the March of Dimes, American Cancer Society and the Diabetes Awareness. She was a loyal and longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church, and with her devote faith she carefully guided the path for all of her children as well. In her later years, affectionately titled the “short, crazy, one eyed Mommy” she took on the title of being the best “Boppie” ever. If ever an award was to be created, Kay would certainly win the combo for being a great mom and being an epic Boppie to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was stubborn at times and perhaps would deliver a few off colored jokes, but at the end of each day she would thank God for her gifts and would willingly help anyone that was in need. She valued all the big and small moments spent with her family. No doubt, she is going to be missed fiercely by her children; Kevin (Debra), Mark (Shelly) Tammy (Scott) Huffman, honorary daughter Kate Geraci, her beautiful grandkids; Heather (Dan), Kristi, Anthony (Ashley) Ryan (Meagan) , Jared (Cammie) , Austin, honorary grandkids; Dannie (Haley), Samantha and Jake and her treasured great grandbabies; Maddison, Rowan, Abbigail, Gabe, Emma, Harrison, Willow and Jack. She also leaves behind 2 special Grand Dogs, Marley & Finn. She is also survived by her sister Donna, as well as many nieces, nephews and longtime friends. She is preceded in death by her husband Jerry, her parents and her brother Richard King and her daughter in law Patty Giddis. A private family service has been held. If you would like to make a contribution to DeVos Children's Hospital in Kay's memory, the family would appreciate it. As her time came to an end here on earth, it can absolutely be said that she in fact did it “HER WAY". ~F.B.S~

Eva "Kay" Giddis

August 13, 1943 - February 24, 2023