Kay Knoch was born Onita Kay Hayter on February 12, 1939, in Cushing, Oklahoma, to Albert Paul Hayter and Vola Irene Bolerjack Hayter. She was a “daddy’s girl,” and was very proud of the black leather saddle with silver conchos that her father gave her, and her pony that she would ride with her father at Cushing Trail Rider events and parades. She was close to her mother as well, who served as one of her elementary school teachers at Deep Rock School in Cushing.

Kay was a trained vocalist who served as soprano soloist for several churches in Cushing, including the Nazarene Church, where her grandfather, Reverend Lee Bolerjack, was minister, and her mother served as organist and pianist.

Kay married Sam Withiam when she graduated Cushing High School in 1957, and later that year the couple welcomed their first child, Samuel Douglas. In 1961, they welcomed their daughter, LuAnn, into the world. Kay and Sam purchased and rebuilt their home, Sleepy Hollow, between Cushing and Drumright. Kay had a special knack for growing flowers and plants, which added greatly to the beauty of their home. She also had a great love for animals, particularly cats, and rescued many country strays that showed up on her doorstep. Kay also enjoyed crocheting and reading, but music was her special love, and she gave back her gift by singing for the Lord.

In her mid-adult years, Kay worked many years as a waitress at Christine’s Restaurant in Cushing, and later at the Homestead Restaurant. Kay loved interacting with the public and was known for her funny wisecracking, jokes, stories, and off-the-wall comments.

Later in life, Kay married J.C. Knoch, who predeceased her.

Kay spent the last years of her life being cared for by her loving daughter, LuAnn Withiam, in Stillwater, still reading, crocheting, and singing to music in her home. Kay is survived by her son Doug Withiam and wife Becky of Cushing, Oklahoma, daughter LuAnn Withiam of Stillwater, Oklahoma, grandson Samuel Bryan Withiam and great-granddaughter Romy Withiam of Cushing, granddaughter Kimberly Withiam-Carlson and husband David Carlson and great-grandsons Simon and Wesley of Oklahoma City, granddaughter Samantha Ceron and husband Dave Ceron and great-grandsons Jack and Camden of Waddell, Arizona, and granddaughter Kara Reherman of Glendale, Arizona.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home.

A viewing will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Following the service the burial will take place at Euchee Valley Memorial Park.