Norma Kay Wilbanks Ratliff Lancaster was born on January 4, 1946, in Kennett, MO to Norman "Babe" Wilbanks and Laura Belle (Alsup) Wilbanks of Hayti, MO. Kay passed away on November 23, 2024, in Calhoun, LA with her husband of 23 years, Larry Lancaster, by her side.

Kay was a Class of 1963 graduate of Hayti High School where she was a cheerleader and member of various clubs and organizations. During her high school years, she worked at the family pharmacy, Shirey's Drug Store, helping at the lunch counter. She also loved all types of outdoor activities and sports including swimming, baseball, golf, and more. Really, anything that involved being outside with her brother and neighborhood friends especially if it involved getting a little dirty. A true tomboy at heart.

Kay graduated from Arkansas State University with a degree in Physical Education and Health which led her to a 28-year career as a teacher and coach. She was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, a Sigma Phi Epsilon Sweetheart, and involved with various campus activities. Kay later returned to take additional classes that allowed her to teach kindergarten through 12th grade Physical Education and Health.

She returned to her alma mater as the high school girls PE and Health teacher and the coach for volleyball, basketball, and track. For 28 years she was devoted to her student-athletes and provided guidance, motivation, love, support, and (when needed) discipline. Kay loved her students like they were her own kids and that never ended. She often reflected on her time as a coach - not remembering wins and losses but more on how she and her athletes impacted each other's lives. Facebook became a wonderful way for her to experience the successes of her former students and she was so incredibly proud of each and every one. Kay was honored in 2023 as one of the first members of the HHS Athletic Hall of Fame for her district, region, and state championship teams.

After retirement, her life took her to Florida to be near her daughter Stacey and eventually her grandsons Nicholas and Drew. She took care of her grandsons daily which led to an amazing both between them. Once the boys started school, she moved with Larry to Louisiana and set up their home in Calhoun. Kay's love of animals led to her fostering many dogs over the years and Larry joined a transport team to help move animals from shelters and foster homes to their forever homes. She often said if she ever won the lottery that she'd buy a huge ranch and take in every abandoned animal she could find.

Kay was preceded in death by a brother, Baby Wilbanks, who died in childbirth and her parents Babe and Laura Belle Wilbanks. She leaves her loving husband of 23 years, Larry Lancaster, daughter Stacey Ratliff Stegura of Charlotte, NC, two grandsons Nicholas and Drew, and brother Richard Wilbanks of Duncanville, TX.

Her Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, December 7th at the John W. German Funeral Home in Hayti, MO. Visitation will be from 10:30 - 11:30 with a short service to follow. There will be time for anyone who wishes to share their thoughts and memories during this time.

In lieu of flowers, Kay requested donations of supplies, time, and/or funds to your local no-kill animal shelter.