Kay Halterman

OTTAWA—Kay Halterman, 98, of Ottawa, passed away Sunday, July 29, 2018 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
She was born Sept. 18, 1919, to Eber and Nancy Catherine Ferguson in Brownstown, IL, the youngest of seven: Thelma Dorritt, Gladys May, Gensel Gilbert, Irl Alva, Denzel Penelope and Wendel Zemeri, all preceding her in death. Kay was orphaned at age 8 and was adopted by her aunt and uncle, Oma and Walter Ferguson, in Sheridan, IL. She finished high school and learned cosmetology. She opened her own shop from 1943-2009.
Kay studied advanced cosmetology at Southern Illinois University and received her diploma from Governor Stratton. She received the Golden Phoenix award from Friendship Village and spent many years giving free haircuts, permanent waves, etc. She was on their board for five years. She was involved with Miss Illinois and Miss America Pageants for 20 plus years. She worked with the Jackson 5 and gave Michael Jackson the necklace he wore on the Ed Sullivan Show.
Volunteering was Kay’s middle name. She was a pink lady hospital volunteer for 30 plus years. She was Cosmetologist of the Year for the state of Illinois in 1982. The competition was in Washington, DC; but Nancy Regan's hairdresser won. She did not feel bad, she was the only senior citizen on the stage. Her 60 years brought to her the front page of the Sunday Chicago Tribune, along with the Pope dying and Robert Redford's movie getting an Oscar. The state of Illinois honored her for her 60 years of service and documentation was presented by Careen Gordon, State Representative.
Kay was very active at the Zion Lutheran Church, she loved the Lord with heart, mind, and soul. She loved Ottawa and its people, and she loved her family and would want them to keep pursuing every breath and heartbeat.
Funeral services will be Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018, 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3, 2018 at Ottawa Funeral Home, and then 10-11 a.m. prior to services on Saturday, at Zion Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.
She is survived by her children, Judy (Ron Bockstahler) Wunderlich, of Wilmington and Jerry F. (Odessa) Halterman, of Homasossa, FL; grandchildren: Heidi (Keith) Zersen, Nancy (Michael) Wind, Karen (Andreas) Keipert, of Florida; Samantha Halterman, of Illinois and Austin Halterman, of Florida and her great-grandchildren: Andrew (Elizabeth) Zersen, Samantha Halterman, of Illinois; Dr. Stefanie (Jesse) Bickel Wind, of Alabama; Kathryn Keipert, Nik Wind, of Florida and Eric Wind, of California.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Halterman in 2005.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent  to Zion Lutheran Church or Friends of Refugees, PO Box 548, Clarkston, GA 30021.
The online guest book may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.ottawafuneralhome.com.
Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory, 1111 LaSalle St, Ottawa is in charge of arrangements.