L. Kay Hankley , age 85 of Middletown and formerly of Sebring, Florida, passed away in her sleep on Aug. 17, 2024 at Middletown Nursing and Rehabilitation Center after a long, well-lived life.  She was born Nov. 22, 1938 in Tipton, the daughter of Thomas and Mary (Burton) Gunn.  Kay was 1956 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School in Elwood.  She was a devoted homemaker most of her life and also worked in production at R.C.A. in Marion for 10 years.  Kay married Max E. Hankley on Nov. 20, 1956, and they shared over 66 years of marriage together before his passing in 2023.

Kay and Max enjoyed their retirement years living in Sebring, Florida for 30 years where they treasured the company of many good friends.  They enjoyed sharing their pontoon boat in Florida with all of their family and friends.  Kay enjoyed camping, fishing, and regular golf cart rides as well as playing cards, dirty marbles, and Yahtzee.  Max and Kay enjoyed riding motorcycles and taking off-road trips in their Jeep.  Kay and Max attended various churches in Florida over the years.  Kay will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will never be forgotten.

Kay's family includes two daughters, Loretta Paulsen of Alexandria and Shelley (Eric) Jameson of Knightstown; 3 grandchildren, Heather Gardner, David (Michelle) Crammer, and Charley (David) Gossett; 5 great-grandchildren, Isaac, Carter, Kaylee, Ashlyn, and Logan; 3 siblings, Larry Gunn of Elwood, Darlene (Dave) Dowler of Elwood, and Debbie (Ron) Sigler of Texas; and several nieces and nephews.  Kay is preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Max Hankley; daughter, Charlotte Hankley shortly after birth; son-in-law, Dr. Dean Paulsen; sister, Mary "Cookie" (Terry) Poe; sister-in-law, Jeannette Gunn; and grandson-in-law, Robert Gardner.

A memorial service celebrating Kay's life will be held at 3 pm on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Scott Blaylock of Life Church officiating.  Visitation will be held from 1 to 3 pm prior to the memorial service at the funeral home.  Burial will take place at a later date in Sunset Cemetery in Elwood.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.