Kay Riester

Kay EllenRiester, of Paoli, passed on January 26, 2017 at the age of 60, after a courageous struggle with cancer. She was a treasured friend to all who knew her. Kay was born to Peggy (Huff) and Jack Tirey on December 21, 1956 in Mitchell, Indiana. Kay was the eldest of four Tirey daughters, which also included Karman, Kathy, Kelly and Karla.  Her grandparents were Russell and Mildred Tirey and Walter “Buster” and Mabel Telene Huff. Kay graduated in the top ten of her class from Mitchell High School in 1974, where her best friend was Debbie Watterson. Both accountants, Kay and Debbie shared the latesttax updates, as they also enjoyed many trips throughout the US. Kay’s favorite spots were always ones with some sand and a beach. The two Mitchell drivers earned a name for themselves as they spent many weekends at road rallies. They earnedseveral trophies for their teamwork —Debbie was usually the driver and Kay was the navigator. Kay met the love of her life, Kenny Riester, at the Orange County Farm Bureau Coop where they both worked. They were married on Valentine’s Day, Feb .14, 1988.  Kenny and Kay were soul mates, who enjoyed live to the fullest. Together, their smiles and zest for life made everyone who encountered them a little better. As they went through the normal ups and downs of a marriage, they tackled Kay’s illness like everything else—they did it together. Kenny was by her side every step of the way, taking care of her at their home on Elm Street in Paoli. They enjoyed golfing and playing cards with friends. Kay was thrilled to play with the women golf professionals at the senior LPGA, but she was also just as thrilled to win a game of Euchre. A spiral notebook in the Riester home provides an ongoing log for several years of card playing with good friends, Ginnie Phillips and Bill Teagarden. A good-natured, competitive spirit brought the four together to enjoy many different golf courses, as well as nightly card games. Kay loved to learn. She received her Associate’s Degree from Indiana University in accounting and took many online classes. Her bookshelves were filled with DIY projects, from plumbing to crafts. An avid reader, she loved a good story, including Harry Potter. Her Kindle was always nearby. Kay also loved technology. She would build computers from scratch, design her own softwarepackages and consult businesses on how to get started in a digital world. Kay could be counted on to have the latest gadget. Two of her more recent additions included a video-activated doorbell and a crockpot that could be turned on with Bluetooth. In 1997, she worked as a senior accountant with Cook Group in Bloomington and has served as the Director of Financial Accounting at the French Lick Resort and Casino. She loved her job and was thrilled when Cook purchased the resorts –it would be a new adventure and she would be able to work much closer to home. She was honored to be a part of the Cook team and each Christmas, would treat her office staff to her culinary skills. Trying a new cake recipe, making molded candy with her sisters-in-law or tackling homemade gingerbread houses with her young nephews, Kay loved to be in the kitchen creating a dish to remember. Sewing was another one of her many talents. Her designs with embroidery, crochet, and needlepoint formed intricate creations that could often be found on Etsy. She was happy doing things and making things for others. Aunt Kay could always be counted on to find the perfect gift for her nephews, Dustin and Russ Apple and Michael Nice.  She adored her great nephew, Thatcher Apple, and Harleigh, and Abby Poe and Lynlie Phillips, her self-proclaimed “adopted grandkids.” She found joy in watching animals. Once trying her hand at raising chinchillas, she most recently admired the friends of nature outside her window—squirrels, bluebirds, cardinals, and yellow finch appreciated the feeding stations at the Riester home. Kay left a lot to remember and to love. A strong woman who lived life with a sparkle in her eye, and a smile in her voice, she brightened our  world.. A fan of Thomas Kinkade, the painter of light, Kay would remind us that in the darkest of times, we must turn on the light. Her devotion and love for her family, her friends, and her coworkers are an important part of all us. So let's not cry because she is gone, let's smile because she lived. Rev. James Walters will officiate the funeral service on Monday, January 30 at 11 a.m. at the Dillman-Scott Funeral Home in Paoli. Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m. on Sunday, January 29. Memorial donations may be directed to: Orange County Community Foundation, Nice-Riester Fund, Building With Books Program, 1075 No. Sandy Hook Rd., Suite 2, Paoli, Indiana, 47454.Online condolences may be left at www.dillmanscottfuneralhome.com.