Kay Calkins, 86, of Greenfield

Mass of Christian Burial: Will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the St. John’s Catholic Church in Greenfield with burial in the Greenfield Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at the church following the burial. Father Phillip Bempong will officiate the service. The Lamb Funeral Home in Greenfield is in charge of the professional arrangements. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.lambfuneralhomes.com.

Open Visitation: Will be held at the St. John’s Catholic Church in Greenfield on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Family Visitation: The family will greet friends at the St. John’s Catholic Church in Greenfield on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Rosary: Will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. at the St. John’s Catholic Church in Greenfield.

Memorials: Memorials may be made to the St. John’s Catholic Church.

Kathryn Margaret Calkins was born on March 19, 1939, to Bernard “Chick” and Evelyn (Wambold) Swift in Greenfield, Iowa. Kay passed away, surrounded by her family, on March 22, 2025, at Arbor Springs in West Des Moines, Iowa. She grew up on the family farm east of town with her parents and three brothers - Dick, Mike, and Dennis – whom she loved dearly. She attended country school at Lee #1 and then attended Greenfield High School with her cousin and dearest friend, Jane (Eagan) Langguth, graduating with the Class of 1957.

After high school Kay moved with several of her classmates to Des Moines and worked there until returning to Greenfield to marry her high school sweetheart, Larry Calkins, on April 19, 1958, at St. John’s Catholic Church. Five children were born between 1959 and 1970: Jeanette, Mike, Patrick, Beth, and Patti. Patrick was born with a congenital heart defect and lived only two months.

Kay worked for Dr. Baker at the Greenfield Medical Clinic for 39 years. Doc and Helen as well as all of her co-workers were family to her. The many patients she met during her time working there turned into lifelong friendships. When asked how she knew someone, more often than not, she would say that they were patients. During Kay’s one hour lunch break, she perfected what the family liked to call the 15 minute power nap by setting her timer. When it rang, she hopped off the couch and headed back to work.

Kay shared her giving heart with everyone. People appreciated the kind words she wrote in her cards. She was known for sending so many cards that her family is convinced that she kept the Current company in business. Oftentimes, it wasn’t just a handwritten note. You may have found an angel pin, a bookmark, some stickers, or maybe even a little cash in the card. Kay liked to bake and often shared her treats with her many friends. Her goodie plates always had the signature bow made of yarn. One of Kay’s favorite pastimes was browsing garage sales. She loved a good bargain! Many of those gifts were “treasures” from those garage sales.

Kay was a lifelong member of St. John’s Catholic Church which was extremely important to her. Her service to the church was immeasurable. For a time, she unlocked the church every morning and locked it back up at night. Living so close to the church and the rectory, our family shared many meals with priests. She valued those relationships and enjoyed taking care of them. Throughout her life, Kay contributed to the church in many ways, but her favorite was singing in the church choir. She had a soprano voice like an angel. 

Family was very important to Kay. She made each grandchild feel like he/she was her favorite. That, of course, led to many family discussions as to who was actually the favorite! She very much enjoyed attending her children and grandchildren’s activities. Our family was blessed to live in the best location in Greenfield. Our home was located across from the city park, a block from the pool, and close enough to the church that she could watch out her back window to make sure we actually attended CCD classes.

Kay is survived by four children, Jeanette (Doug) of Algona; Mike (Shaunda) Calkins of Boone; Beth Burnett of West Des Moines; and Patti (Tong Uk) of Algona; 11 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; brother, Dennis Swift of Boise, Idaho; sister-in-law, Norma Swift of Cedar Rapids; sister-in-law, Jackie Swift of Wichita, Kansas; sister-in-law, Diana Monroe of Lincoln, Nebraska; other relatives and many special friends.

Kay’s work on Earth is done, and she is now reunited with Larry, Patrick, her family, and many friends. She loved collecting angels, and she was our angel on Earth!