Mary Kathyrn Lay

Arlington, Texas. Mary Kathyrn Lay, known as Kathy, died suddenly from Covid complications on January 27, 2021. She was born on December 8, 1958 in Hurst, Texas. She was predeceased by her parents, Gladys Petrey (2006) and Bobby Joe Petrey (2016). Kathy is survived by her husband of 41 years, Richard Lay; her daughter Michelle; her grandson Kyran; brothers Gary and James; as well as numerous nephews, nieces, grandnephews, and grandnieces. She will be deeply missed by all who had the good fortune to know her. Kathy was a 1977 graduate of L.D. Bell High School in Hurst, Texas and attended Tarrant County College Northeast for 2 years. She married Richard Lay in 1979 and the two of them lived in Arlington or Bedford during their marriage. Kathy’s great passion was writing. During her career she wrote over 30 children’s books, contributed to numerous Chicken Soup anthologies, and had hundreds of inspirational stories published in numerous magazines. She was a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators for over 25 years. In addition, she served with her husband in various ministries to immigrants and refugees. She loved antique shopping and spent the last 7 years of her life selling them on-line. She also loved to travel and remembered fondly the trip down the east coast after Richard retired as well as their cruise with their best friends. She loved her family and especially savored the time she had with her grandson, Kyran, whom she only got to know for 15 months. A celebration of her life will be at Grace Community Church at 801 W. Bardin Road, Arlington, Texas on Saturday, February 6 at 10 am. For those unable to attend the service will be live streamed via Grace Community’s website. Flowers can be sent to the church, though potted plants (her favorites) are preferred.