Kay M. Graf

Even though she arrived at the age of 9, Kay Butler always considered Winters to be her hometown. When Kay Graf died February 17, 2026, she was surrounded by her family. Kay was born in Vallejo, CA in 1938. In the ensuing 9 years her family moved multiple times before settling in Winters.

When Kay first arrived in Winters in the mid 1940’s, she met Barbara Graf Thomas and became good friends. She was often in the Graf home and because of that she met Barb's older brother, Alfred. In 1958, Alfred and Kay were married in St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.

After their wedding and Carmel honeymoon, they moved into their Winters home where they raised their family and lived for their entire 67-year marriage. In addition to being a full-time mother, Kay was also Al's sole secretary to his architectural firm. As if she wasn't busy enough, she volunteered throughout the community and county. She is most remembered for working with the swim team, school district, little league, 4H and St. Anthony’s Church. In 2003 Al and Kay were honored to be selected the Honorary Grand Marshals of the Winters Youth Day Parade.

Kay always dreamed of being a nurse and at age 36, she received her Degree in Nursing and went to work at Woodland Memorial Hospital for 3 years. She was accepted at UCSF at 40, and she received her Bachelors and her Masters in Nursing. She was now a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Gerontology, a Public Health Nurse and held a Lifetime Teaching Credential for Community Colleges. She worked for Yolo County Public Health and traveled throughout Yolo County giving health-oriented lectures.

Kay and Al did some family travel with the children over the years and decided in the 1990’s to retire from their jobs and travel. During the next 20 years they traveled to five other continents and all over the US, managing to visit 45 states. By then they were worn out so hung up their passports in 2011.

Kay is survived by her husband, Al and children Keely (John P.) Hedderman, Keri (John) Ryan and Brad (Carrie Lea) Graf, grandchildren Briana Graf, Chloe (Richard), Martin, Pat Ryan and Georgi Ryan, and 2, great-grandchildren Frances Lou Martin and Theron Hayes Martin, and many nieces and nephews. Kay is predeceased by her parents Francis (Bud) and Ruby Butler and both brothers, Glen and Dale.

The family invites you to join us at St. Anthony's Church, Winters for a Mass on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 11am. The service will be followed by a reception at St. Anthony's Center. A private burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Kay requested that you support the Historical Society of Winters – Museum, 13 Russell St., Winters, CA 95694 or your own favorite charity.