Kay Lynn Lovrich, age 73 passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026, surrounded by loved ones in Wanatah, Indiana. Kay was born in Harvey, Illinois on December 8, 1952, to the late Robert K. and Marion E. (Partridge) Russell. She was preceded in death by ex-husbands Ivan P. Lovrich, Allen Malekovic and is survived by ex-husband Denny Paleothodoros. Most recently she lived in Hardeeville, South Carolina. There she enjoyed beach combing and serving customers while waitressing at the Cracker Barrel Restaurant. Kay was involved with Wounded Spirits Outreach and attended Victory Baptist Church both in Beaufort, South Carolina.
This loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother is survived by five children: Jason (Alex) Jones, Brett (Chrissy) Malekovic, Tara (Malekovic ) (Fernando) Lopez, Erin (Scott Talsma) Malekovic, Paul Paleothodoros, and stepsons Shane Malekovic, Jon and Mark Lovrich. Her thirteen surviving grandchildren are Micah, Marion, Max, Jacob, Eva, Ella, and Andrew Jones; Tyler, Ivy, Lily, Wyatt Talsma; Brett Malekovic Jr., and Ryan Lovrich. Great grandchildren include Naomi, Eli, Valentina, and Luciana. She is also survived by nieces: Hannah, Brittany, Elizabeth, and Catherine; nephews: Matthew, Zachary, and Dylan, her sister Lisa (Russell) Misch and stepmother, Laura Russell. Kay was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Robert D. Russell.
Kay inherited the gift of gab from her father. Her ability to actively listen was greatly appreciated not only by family members but also the many people she encountered in her daily living. While waitressing in her early life and again in her seventies, she welcomed customers with a smile and listening ear. Many would request her service, knowing very well she would remember their last conversations.
After receiving an associate’s degree in criminology from Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, Illinois, Kay embarked on her lifelong dream as a correctional officer. She worked in a variety of roles at the Tippecanoe County Jail in Lafayette, Indiana and later as a correctional officer at Westville Correctional Facility in Westville, Indiana. She was never afraid and often said, “they are just people that happened to get caught”. Co-workers shared, “Kay was the real deal; always treating inmates with respect and dignity.” Inmates referred to her as “Miss Kay”. When rehabilitated inmates spotted her on the street, they would approach with gratitude and stories of their new and improved life. She always remembered them by name.
Also while living in Lafayette, Indiana, Kay worked part-time as a Securitas Security Officer at Subaru of Indiana Automotive. While there, she walked countless miles ensuring the plant’s safety. One evening while on patrol she discovered an intruder, a very large beaver. She and another officer quickly overcame the intruder, and safety was one again restored.
Visiting, adventuring, baking, and cooking with/for her family and friends brought Kay great joy. When alone she read, quilted, crocheted, swam, sunbathed, and studied the sciences of the paranormal and cryptozoology. During her last great adventure, a Caribbean Bigfoot Cruise, Kay said “I think I found my people”.
Her life was dictated by the love language of giving. It gave her immense pleasure to handpick/handmake unique, beautiful, and intentional cards/gifts for her family, friends, and strangers in need. This humble, loving child of God, with a quirky sense of humor, sometimes disagreeable conversations, and surprising stories will be greatly missed. In her memory, the family asks that you connect with your loved ones, take a walk on a beach, read a good book or watch a great movie…together.
If you would like to make a monetary donation in honor of Kay Lovrich, please send donations to the: Wounded Spirits Ministries Attn: Martinez Family PO Box 554 Winona Lake, IN 46590. This free and caring ministry focuses on Veterans, Military, First Responders and those who come alongside individuals struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. To learn more you may visit their website: slmwoundedspirits.com.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In the meantime, as spring approaches and the lilacs (Kay’s favorite) bloom may you remember her in your own special way, knowing you touched her life as much as she touched yours.
GUESTBOOK
I’m so grateful to have had you as my mother-in-law. You will always hold a special place in my heart. Love you always and forever. -Chrissy Malekovic
To the moon and back, I love you big sister! We had a time of it didn't we? I will see you again. Until then I will keep your memories alive. As I hike, I will keep my eyes peeled for Bigfoot. I will watch over your family and maybe, just maybe try to eat more lemons! Thank you for being more than just my big sister. You were my dearest friend and you are greatly missed. -Lisa A Misch
What a beautiful soul Kay was. It is my honor to call her my friend. My most wonderful memory of Kay will always be sitting beside her in Church as she bowed her head and sincerely invited Jesus into her heart and life to be her LORD and Saviour! She meant it with every fiber of her being. Her greatest hope was for her family to know Jesus also. I KNOW we will meet again in Heaven. She was unafraid and ready to meet her LORD. See you there my friend. Until then we trust, love and go on with joy and will always remember you. -Lucinda Martinez
My name is Lori I used to work with Kay @ SIA as a security officer you’re right she did love to gab I did talk to her a few times when she was down there in Carolina. She said that she really loved it down there. She will be sadly missed. She was a great person and a good friend. My sincere condolences to the family. May God heal and comfort you in your time of difficulty. Rest in peace my friend, -Lori DeWitt
My deepest condolences to Kay's family. You're in my thoughts and prayers. I met Kay at SIA when she worked Security. I always loved hearing about her children and grandchildren. She loved you all so much. I enjoyed watching her make blankets, hats, mittens for all. She made me a small quilt with Lighthouses and crochet/knit me a small blanket with my mother in laws yarn. Loved them all. I will deeply miss our phone conversations. I also will go to the beach and think of you my friend. May she rest in peace until we meet again. -Tina Wethington
I had the pleasure of meeting Kay at Cracker Barrel. She was extremely kind and chatty. She shared many stories of from her ever exciting life and they never disappointed. After I left that job we kept in touch, I referred to her as my South Carolina Mom. I would call her at all hours of the night and she would always answer. We would go have lunch at one of her favorite spots, Kenny B’s. The company and conversations were things I will never forget. I had become recently divorced and had to move to a new house and she made me an unbelievable quilt to bring the happiness and joy back. She even hid some Bigfoot and alien patches on it. I will miss her everyday. Love you Kay! -Michael Uchno
I will never forget the times KayKay and I had played together. We were neighbors in Midlothian, Illinois. We played together whenever we could in the 1950’s. She was so much fun to be and to play with. I had always missed Kay Kay since our families had moved. I always called my best friend Kay Kay. Love You and rest in peace. -Chris Hoeferlin
I am Lisa Duran, previously Lisa Dibbern. I was very sorry to learn of Kay’s passing. She was my bestie at Leavitt Avenue school in Flossmoor. We got into trouble in 5th grade when we showed up to school in caps like John Lennon wore. As the years passed, we joined different friend groups. Fortunately, we were blessed to spend time together again at our high school reunions and a couple of trips that Kay took to visit me and my husband in Phoenix. She was a wonderful person and friend. RIP, Kay. Hope you are wearing that John Lennon cap in heaven!! -Lisa Duran
Kay was a wonderful, warm, giving person loved for her many good qualities by all who knew her. She was a dream to have as a stepdaughter and I consider myself honored to have had her in my life. No one could ask for a better stepdaughter than Kay. I will miss Kay , but I know she is in a wonderful place now. I loved her and will forever love her. We will see each other again. Your loving stepmom. -Laura Russell
I met Kay when we worked together at SIA. We quickly bonded over both us being from Chicago and having many common haunts back home. She had us to her beautiful home in the Carolina’s a few years back. I am truly going to miss her. Rest in peace my friend! -Eddie Zabelny
Always heard kind words of Aunt Kay from Dylan . Even though we were many miles away, there was love in our hearts for Kay. May she rest in peace. -Gina Livingearth
Heartfelt condolences to Kay's family. Kay was a very good friend and former neighbor to my stepmom, Nancy Gray, during their time in Rock Hill, and after Kay's move. She was also very good to my niece, Madison, who was grateful for the times that Kay was generous with gifts of clothing. Wishing peace and blessings to her family. -Lauren Cable
