Karen "Kay" Lee Tester

Karen Lee (Kinney) Tester was born to Clint and Rhoda Kinney on August 3, 1948 in Traverse City. She entered her eternal home on Nov. 19, 2017. Preceding her in death are her father, Clinton E. Kinney, Grandparents, William and Eva Kinney, Henry and Georgia Sackett, uncles, aunts and several cousins. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Bill Tester, mother Rhoda Kinney, two sisters, Cinda (Stephen “Kit”) Simmons and Jeannie (Gerald) Mitchell and brother Lon (Diane Hart) Kinney. Her two sons and their wives also survive, Michael and Jennifer (Asiala) Tester and Todd and Katie (Meyer) Tester and her beloved grandchildren, Brooke, Gabby, Lauren, Tillman, Elonica and Traeton, all of Traverse City, along with several nieces, nephews and extend family. Family was her life! She felt so blessed to have all of them close by, allowing her quality time with each and every one of them. Gospel music was another love of hers as she began at age 5 singing with her sisters. Family hymn sings around the piano began early on and continues throughout her life. She joined the business world following her graduation from TCCHS “66” with Milliken’s Department Store, Traverse City Record Eagle, Cone Drive Gears, and Indiana Wesleyan University, them moved back to Traverse City and was employed by Traverse Dental Associates, bookkeeper for her father’s business, Kinney’s Pioneer Service, and then clerical assistant and secretary of athletics at Traverse City West Middle School. Following sixteen years with TCAPS, Kay retired in 2002 with a cancer diagnosis. She beat ALL the odds with several chemo treatments, surgeries and phenomenal Doctors care over the years. She would say the Lord answered her prayers and gave her time to enjoy her family. She was able to see her children and grandchildren growing and accomplishing so much with the gifts He has given them. Each one of them has known her undivided attention and never ending love as they blessed her life in so many ways. Visitation will take place today, Tuesday, Nov. 21 from 4 until 7 p.m. at The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. The Celebration of Kay’s life will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22 at West Side Community Church with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor John Clark will officiate. Burial will be in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens at a later date. For a more lasting memorial, the family has asked that Kay be remembered through memorial contributions to the Women’s Cancer Fund at Munson Medical Center, c/o Munson Healthcare Regional Foundation, 1150 Medical Campus Dr., Traverse City, MI 49684.

Karen "Kay" Lee Tester

August 3, 1948 - November 19, 2017