Kay was born on September 7th, 1939 to Gerhard and Tina Dirks she was the twelfth of seventeen children. She loved to share stories of her childhood on the family farm in Namaka, Alberta, with that many siblings there was always something interesting going on. In 1960 she captured the heart of a young man named Ed Woelk when he overheard her singing in a trio one Sunday morning at Highland Mennonite Church in Calgary, Alberta. They married on October 6th,1962 and enjoyed 61 wonderful years of marriage. They were blessed with two daughters, Jennifer in 1963 and Shannon in 1970.  Who both deeply loved and admired her for her great kindness and generous spirit.

She was proud to have been an elementary school teacher and her love of children was apparent whenever little ones were around.  Music played a central role in her life, she was the organist for Highland Mennonite Church for years. In 1996 when they moved to their acreage just outside of Tofield, Alberta, she began conducting The Tofield Men’s Chorus. Later on after they had moved into Tofield she enjoyed directing the Lamplighters. Kay’s faith in the lord was a cornerstone of her life where she found solace and strength in her belief and her faith was an inspiration to those around her.

She passed away suddenly on the evening of Thursday May 9th, 2024, in Tofield, Alberta at the age of 84. Kay leaves to mourn; her loving husband, Ed, daughter Shannon (Ken) Matson and their children, Kai and Beck; grandson Cody (Tammy) Reid and their son Ares; granddaughters Jessica Reid and Taylor Reid; great-grandson Calen Jackins; three sisters; two brothers, and many nieces and nephews.  

She was predeceased by her beloved daughter, Jennifer, her parents, eight brothers, four sisters, several in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Kay was a loving light in this world, and she will be truly and deeply missed.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 18, 2024 at the Good News Church in Ryley, Alberta.  Cremation will take place following the funeral service.