Kathleen “Kay” Lily Wallbom, 88, of Trout Lake, passed away Thursday morning, November 12, 2009.

She was born to George and Lily McCormick June 18, 1921, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. When she was three years old, the family moved to Sault Ste. Marie, where she attended Sault Area Schools, and was graduated from Sault High School in 1939.

In 1940, she married Palmer Wallbom and together they owned and operated a dairy farm on 3- Mile Road and with the Lovegrove family operated Golden Producers Dairy. After retiring in 1967, they built their retirement home on Birch Shores in Trout Lake.

Mrs. Wallbom was a member of First Baptist Church in Sault Ste. Marie, and was active in Ozark Grace Brethren Church after moving to Trout Lake. She was also active in the Trout Lake community. In 1999, she was named Woman of the Year for Trout Lake.

She was a teacher's aide in the Trout Lake, Kincheloe, and Rudyard school districts.

Mrs. Wallbom is survived by a daughter and her family, Nancy and Arthur Swartz of North Pole, Alaska; a daughter in-law, Kathleen Wallbom of Westland; two sisters and their families, Caroline Shirlin of Garden City, and Patricia and George Koch of Elmhurst; eight grandchildren, Bradley, Jeffrey, Jennifer, Laurie, Todd, Tina, Jacqueline, and Michael, and 10 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Palmer Wallbom, and her son, Erick Wallbom.

Services were at the Ozark Grace Brethren Church Tuesday, November 17, at 11 a.m. Friends gathered at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. A community dinner followed the service at Trout Lake Township Hall.

Memorials may be made to Ozark Grace Brethren Church, 22998 South Church Rd, Moran, Michigan 49760 or Hospice of the EUP, 508 Ashmun, Suite 120, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan 49783.

C.S. Mulder Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.