Martha Kay Brauhn, 78, of Ottawa and formerly of Mendota, passed away Sunday, September 20, 2026, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Kay was born November 18, 1947, in LaSalle, the daughter of Raymond and Artharilla (Edwards) Jones. She married Howard Brauhn on January 25, 1969, at the Waltham Presbyterian Church.

Kay Brauhn lived a life defined by compassion, service, faith, friendship, and an unwavering love for her family. She passed through this world leaving behind a legacy of kindness and dedication that touched countless lives.

A proud graduate of Northern Illinois University, Kay earned her degree in Sociology, a field that reflected her genuine concern for others and her desire to make a positive difference. She began her professional career as a caseworker for the State of Illinois, where she devoted herself to helping individuals and families navigate challenging circumstances with dignity and care.

In 1969, Kay married her best friend and the love of her life to began a journey of partnership and family that would remain the center of her world. In February 1973, she welcomed the start of her family, embracing motherhood with joy, patience, and endless devotion.

Throughout her career, Kay served as an office administrator for several churches, where her organizational skills, warm personality, and servant's heart were deeply appreciated by congregations and clergy alike. She also worked as a loan processor at a local bank, earning the respect of coworkers and customers through her professionalism and attention to detail.

Beyond her professional life, Kay was a vibrant and social person who treasured time spent with friends. She enjoyed building meaningful relationships and was always ready with a warm conversation, a welcoming smile, or a helping hand. Her commitment to serving others extended into the community through her support of local charities and causes that improved the lives of those around her.

Above all else, Kay's greatest joy was her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose family meant everything to her. Nothing brought her more happiness than spending time with her grandchildren. In her eyes, they could do no wrong, and she cherished every moment, milestone, and memory shared with them. Her unconditional love, encouragement, and pride in her grandchildren will remain one of her most treasured legacies.

Kay will be remembered for her compassionate spirit, strong faith, dedication to service, and boundless love for her family and friends. Though she will be deeply missed, the lessons she taught and the love she shared will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Kay is survived by her husband, Howard; two sons, Jason (Brianna) Brauhn and Joshua Brauhn; grandchildren, Cohen and Kierra Brauhn and Kourtney Brauhn and her mother, Kathy Brauhn; six siblings, Charles "Chuck" Jones, Patricia McManimon, Jackie Jones Bailey, Jodie Foster, Raynette Jones, and Jill (Steve) Durant; her step-mother, Jean Jones; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Kay is preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be from 4-7 P.M. on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the Horner-Merritt Funeral Home, 800 Monroe Street, in Mendota.

The funeral service will be at 3 P.M. on Monday, September 28, 2026, at the First Presbyterian Church, 1003 5th Street, in Mendota with Pastor Laurie Walker officiating. Additional visitation will be from 2 P.M. until the time of the service at the church on Monday. Cremation care will be provided after the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Kay's memory may be directed to the family for a memorial to be established. Please visit www.horner-merritt.com to sign the online guest book.