After a life well lived, Anna Lay, wife of Kenneth Lay of Edmond, Oklahoma, said good-bye to her earthly home and entered her heavenly home on July 21, 2024.
She was born to George and Addie Mae Sells in Hominy, Oklahoma, the first of four children. She attended Elementary School in Hominy, Oklahoma, and High School in Osage, Oklahoma where she graduated Valedictorian of her class.
In 1950 she married Kenneth Lay and devoted her life to being “the pastors wife”, and a teacher of children. She taught Kindergarten and first grade children for twenty-five years. She completed her teaching career at Chisholm Elementary in Edmond, Oklahoma.
She was a graduate of Osage High School, Oklahoma Baptist University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and the University of Central Oklahoma.
She is survived by her husband, Kenneth. As of August 20, 2024 they would have been married 74 years. She is also survived by her three daughters: Susan Edwards, Lou Ann Moore, Kendra Rock and their families: Sons-in-law Jeff Edwards and Roger Rock. Grandchildren: Joshua Edwards and wife Jennifer; Christine Edwards; Hanna Bellamy and husband, Adam; Carson Rock and wife Katie; Cameron Rock and wife Allie. Great grandchildren: Matilda Edwards, Ruby Rock, Henry Bellamy, Fielder Rock, and Miller Bellamy. She was preceded in death by her granddaughter Abby Moore.
Her Life Sustaining Scripture was 1 Peter 5:7: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, July 25, 2024 at Quail Springs Baptist Church with interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery Oklahoma City, OK.
In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to the Moms in Prayer Organization.
John and I were so blessed in knowing and attending church with Anna (and Ken). She was quite but radiated Gods love and grace to all. When she did say something, it was so worth listening I love that she is sitting at the feet of Jesus today! 🌺
I have been friends with Kenneth & Anna Lay for many years. He was our pastor when we moved to Edmond and Anna was like a lovely First Lady in our church. Always kind, gentle and loving. She always had a smile as well as a fun sense of humor. Anna loved children, including my own, and they adored her.
Prayers of comfort for her family.
Eddie and I have known Kenneth and Anna for 58 years. Kenneth was like Eddie’s dad in ministry and Anna’s influence on my life taught me how best to serve as a Pastor’s wife. Kenneth performed our wedding almost 53 years ago. Our daughter Sarah Beth adored this couple and we treasure the times we’ve spent with them. We treasure their trips to Colorado and spending hours playing card games. Susan, Lou, and Kendra have been so blessed to have Anna as their mother. We look forward to eternity when we will never be apart again.
I received a copy of Kenneth Lays’ book “When Sparrows Fall (For Sparrows do fall)” and I was stunned by the many instances of death that Kenneth has seen in his life, beginning at 9 years of age. He said that “death is always dressed differently when it arrives whether it is coming for loved ones or friends…..and when it does arrive we recognize it for what it is, the end of life upon this earth but the beginning of the life to come.” Anna is in that life to come, which we only imagine, and I was able to talk to her one day about her husband’s book, and she said to me, “Now you know quite a bit about our family.” I am grateful for that conversation, the smile that she had on her face, and the calm she had in talking about this eventuality. I’m praying for the whole family in their great loss, and thank God for the life of Anna Lay, her faith, her love for the Lord and her influence on all who knew her.
We heard about Kenneth and Anna from Pastor Eddy and Linda and the services at CAP. We hold their wonderful and amazing stories in our hearts and share them with others joyfully. It puts a large smile on my face to know that when a couple has had many years to grow together, we can celebrate and be grateful that the Lord has blessed them both.
Our hearts are with Kenneth as he navigates through this challenging time. We find comfort in knowing that Anna awaits us in Heaven. We look forward to the day we will join her in worshiping and praising our Lord in Heaven.
With love and sympathy,
The Reeds
Kenneth was our pastor at Henderson Hills Baptist Church. Anna was the kindest lady along with Kenneth and I still consider them my model as ministers and still consider them my pastor and wife 45 years later.