Kay Vartanian

Kay Vartanian
January 25, 1914 - February 9, 2020

Our family is saddened to announce the loss of our beloved Auntie Kay. She was the family's CEO and 5 Star General whose only regret in 106 years was that she didn't get back for one last shot in Las Vegas. She had a long and adventurous life while providing support and advice to her loving family.

Born in Chicago in 1914, she moved while still a child to Michigan. She lived and cared for her mother Rose.

In 1943 she enlisted in the Army. During World War II she worked in Washington D.C. at the Pentagon. She served until January 1946, earning an honorable discharge as a Master Sergeant as well as earning the Victory Medal, the American Theater Ribbon, the Women's Auxiliary Corps service Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal.
After leaving the Army Kay worked in the Guardian Building in Detroit for several years before going to work for the Shriners for 25 years.

In recent years she has recognition for her service and being the oldest person in South Lyon and was given the key to the city, recognition by the VFW Post 1224 and in the form of a congressional tribute presented by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell.

Our Auntie Kay loved to tell stories, play cards, go to Church luncheons, play Bingo and to win at the MGM Casino slot machines. She was very entertaining and met many famous people (Mikey Mantle & William Holden to name a few). Anywhere there were people, there was Kay. She faced the world unafraid and lived her life to the fullest. She was so proud to be a veteran.

Kay was proceeded in death by her father Nishan (and Peter Vartanian), mother Rose, brothers Ajax, Harold and Howard and their wives as well as her dear nephew Donald Vartanian.

Left to honor her memory her nieces and nephews Cheryl (Jim) Chuck, Gary Vartanian, Jean Kay (Phil) Perry, Douglas (Jenny) Vartanian, Susan Vartanian, Robert Vartanian & Edward Vartanian.

Great nieces and nephews Michelle Chuck, Karen (Bryan) Johnston, Tom & Kevin Vartanian, David (Jeni) Perry, James (Kimberly) Perry, Ryan & Allison Vartanian.
Great great nieces and nephews Autumn & Mia Johnston, Samantha & Nicole Perry and Kira, Morgan & Devyn Perry .

As well as friends and neighbors.

The family would also like to thank the Staff at the South Lyon Senior Care and Rehabilitation Center for all their excellent care and concern for our Auntie Kay.

Visitation will be held at Phillips Funeral Home 122 W. Lake Street, South Lyon Wednesday, February 12 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a 7:30 p.m. Prayer Service.

Her funeral service will be held on Monday, February 17, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Armenian Church 22001 Northwestern Highway, Southfield followed by Military Honors.

The visitation at church will begin at 10:00 a.m.

Luncheon at the church will follow for a time of fellowship and remembrance .

Interment will be private.

To honor Auntie Kay's last wish and her great love for children please consider, in place of flowers, donating in her name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Shriners Hospital for Children.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kay Vartanian, please visit our floral store.