The Richmond News, June 23, 2023

Kay Vandiver

Kay Frances (Pigg) Vandiver, 87, of Richmond, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed into the loving arms of the Lord on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at Oak Ridge Assisted Living in Richmond. A visitation took place 5-8 p.m. on Sunday, June 18, at the Richmond United Methodist Church. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 19, also at the United Methodist Church, followed immediately by a graveside burial at South Point Cemetery on Bruns Road in Orrick.

Kay was born on Nov. 15, 1935, in Kansas City to Fon and Jewell Pigg, who preceded her in death.

A proud and lifelong resident of Ray County, she grew up in Orrick and graduated in 1954 from Orrick High School. She married Bob Vandiver in Orrick on Jan. 14, 1956, enjoying 57 years of marriage until Bob’s death in 2013. From their union, Kay and Bob had four children, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

She is survived by a son, Dale Vandiver of Richmond, and his children, Blaire (Vandiver) Lawrence of Leawood, Kan., and her husband Matt, Jake Vandiver of Richmond and his wife Reanna (Newham) Vandiver, and Gabe Vandiver of Kansas City; a daughter, Sara (Vandiver) Fougere of Columbia, her husband John, and sons Drew, Grant and Luke Fougere; and a son, Gary Vandiver of Richmond, his wife Penny (Holloway) Vandiver, and their children Ashton, Abby and Evan Vandiver; and five great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, Kay was predeceased by her oldest son, Jim Bob Vandiver, in 1965; and her daughter-in-law, Kim (Rogers) Vandiver.

Kay lived the life of a quintessential American farm wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker, serving as the bookkeeper for the Bob Vandiver Cattle Co. for decades while the operation became one of the most successful in the Midwest. Kay and Bob were true partners in the cattle and farm operation. Her skills as a cook were legendary, and she was known to prepare delicious meals to take to the field during silage season, feeding sometimes as many as 20 farm employees from the back of her car.

Dedicated to the farm way of life, she served on numerous agricultural boards and committees, most notably the Missouri Cattlewomen’s Association and Farm Bureau. Many of her lifelong friends came from the many agriculture committees she served on, and she took great pride in playing the instrumental role in raising the funds for the new headquarters of the Missouri Cattlemen and Cattlewomen’s Association in Columbia.

For her lifelong dedication, Kay was awarded the Missouri Cattlewoman of the Year in 2003.

A strong leader among women who was deeply invested in our American democracy, Kay was active in Democratic Party politics her entire life, tirelessly volunteering on local, state and national campaigns. She was particularly proud of her service to, and friendship with, the late U.S. Congressmen Jerry Litton and Ike Skelton. She loved to follow the news and was always up for an engaging discussion of current events.

She was a member of the Richmond United Methodist Church and an avid sports fan, whether it was the Kansas City Chiefs or Richmond High School Spartans.

But what Kay was most passionate about was her family, especially her beloved grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Her years were filled with the joy of welcoming her growing family to the Vandiver farm for holidays and Sunday dinners, where she would express her love through her incredible cooking, laughter and warmth. The most cherished memories of youth for her adoring grandchildren will always be those long-awaited visits to the farm and their beloved Grammy.

Donations to honor Kay’s memory may be sent to the Richmond Education Endowment Foundation. Memorials can always be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Please share your memories of Kay with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.