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Anita Kay Stough Lowe, “Kay,” 66, passed peacefully in her sleep at her home in Thornton, Colo., on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, freeing her from her years-long battle with end-stage renal failure and diabetes. She valiantly fought and recovered from numerous related medical emergencies and hospitalizations, especially in the past two years.
She is survived by her husband, Michael Lowe; his son, Ben Lowe (Chelsea) Tyler and Elizabeth; his daughter Devin Robinson (Noel), Leo and Zoe; her in-laws, Ronald and Arlene Lowe; her best friend of 38 years, Angie Simmons (Mike); her three cats: Phoebe, Gracie and Missy. She is further survived by her siblings: Jim Stough, Sue Paquette, Diane Merfeld, Paul Stough (Ann), Phil Stough, Janet Gaillard, Mary Maguire, Terry Sanford (Walt), Dean Stough (Brenda), Sheila Bryan (Garey), Kathy Ingle (Jack) and Brian Stough (Lauren); along with numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
She was pre-deceased by her parents, Stanley and Rita Stough; sister Patricia Daniel; and her brother, Kevin Stough.
Kay was born July 1, 1957 in Buena Vista Hospital, Storm Lake, and grew up in Sulphur Springs, Nemaha and Early. It’s no coincidence that American Bandstand premiered barely a month later, no doubt igniting her lifelong love of music, especially 50s and 60s pop and rock n roll, which she listened to through her final days. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Storm Lake in 1975, briefly attended Morningside College in Sioux City, before moving to Colorado, joining sisters, Pat, Terry and Sue.
In August 1977, she joined them in working at Western Electric (Lucent/Avaya) in Westminster, Colo., where she remained until retiring in 2007. It was there that she met her husband, Mike, and her best friend, Angie.
After a 10 year relationship, Mike and Kay were married on July 4, 1999 at her sister Terry’s in Lyons. Kay and Angie bonded while sharing a challenging adventure, taking on (and achieving) an electronics technical college certification, in the predominantly male environment of the time. Of course, they also took respite from these challenges through music, especially reveling in the atmosphere of live concerts in various Denver-area venues along with sister, Terry, enjoying Chris Isaak, John Prine, Bonnie Raitt, Melissa Ethridge, Tom Petty, Willie Nelson and many more!
Kay quickly developed a love of Colorado, appreciating the clear mountain air and enjoying the excellent fishing with Mike, especially in the Hahn’s Peak area near Steamboat Springs. Kay was a wonderful “step” parent to Mike’s children, being there for them for most of their lives. She also had a lifelong love of animals, owning many dogs and cats over the years, with Missy, Gracie and Phoebe surviving her. As if her full-time, technical job was not enough, Kay developed a sideline “job” of photography, taking many hundreds (thousands?) of photos of family events, scenic Colorado as well as her gorgeous flowers and cute pets! Antiquing and thrift store shopping were other favorite passions resulting in a houseful of brightly colored knick-knacks, large trunks and clothes, clothes, clothes!
The family is hosting a Celebration of Kay’s Life on Saturday, Nov. 4, in the large conference room at the Hampton Inn (317 Exempla Circle) in Lafayette,Colo. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Diabetes Association or to Adams County Animal Services.
This angel who flew too close to the ground has returned to her heavenly home.
