Klarita Kay Keltner Saunders Kelly, known to those who loved her simply as Kay, passed away on September 3, 2026, at her home in Sinton, Texas. She was 89 years old.

Kay was born on May 22, 1937, in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. She grew up to become a proud graduate of Flour Bluff High School.  In 1957, she married John Saunders, and together they built a full and busy life raising four children.

Teaching was Kay’s calling. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Texas A&I in Kingsville all while raising her children and managing a household. She began her career in a middle school classroom, later earned her master’s degree from Texas State University, and became an educational diagnostician—a role that allowed her to help even more young people find their footing.

Her greatest pride was always her children, and in later years, her grandchildren. She had a real gift for turning everyday moments into lessons, and she loved to travel, often taking her grandchildren along on learning trips that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Her kind, loving, and giving nature touched everyone she met. She was the sort of person who was always thinking of others, always ready to lend a hand. That giving spirit showed up in her faith, too. Kay was a faithful member of San Pedro Presbyterian Church in San Antonio for many years, and in recent years she joined the First Baptist Church of Sinton. While living in San Antonio she volunteered often, and she made a point of helping older members get to church and to their medical appointments, quietly doing the small things that meant so much.

Kay is survived by daughters Cynthia Troup (Steven), Paula Bostick (Sandie), Rebecca Saunders, and son John Saunders.  Grandchildren Robert Troup (Jennifer), Dusty Troup (Faron), Jake Bostick (Rachel), Kody Bostick, Brent Woelke (Summer).  Great grandchildren Karleigh, Hollis, and K’Lyn Troup, Dominic Robinette, Kash Woelke; brother-in-law Mike Sandel; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Kenneth Keltner; sister Elaine Sandel; daughter-in-law Jinifer Saunders. 

Services will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home in Sinton, Texas, on Saturday, September 12, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with a Celebration of Life Service following at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you consider a donation in Klarita Kelley’s memory to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4265 San Felipe St., Suite 1100, Houston TX 77027.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Harbor Hospice and its’ staff, especially Jennifer Perez, as well as to Kay’s caregivers: Karleigh Troup, Mary Alice, Naomi and Kristin Ramirez, Patricia Moreno, Laurynn Sustaita, and Linda Bar. Their loving care comforted Kay during her final months. She was surrounded by love to the very end and will be missed beyond words.

Guestbook available online at www.resthavenfunerals.com

Arrangements and care entrusted to Resthaven Funeral Home, Sinton.