Kay Carol Champley, 79, of Taylorville, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family and close friends on December 9, 2022.

Kay was born November 24, 1943, in Taylorville, the daughter of Abe and Mavis “Mickey” (Martin) Girard.  She was raised by her mother and devoted stepfather, Melvin Page.  Kay married Phillip Champley, they later divorced, and remarried for the rest of her life.

Kay worked at Woolworth’s and Sherman’s Clothing Store, as well as the City of Taylorville as a police dispatcher and for the street department.  She sold cars with her son, and enjoyed working with schools as a crossing guard, playground and lunchroom supervisor, and as a teacher’s aide for many years.

Kay was known to many as the “Halloween Lady”, because she decorated her houses for over 40 years, and hosted hundreds of trick or treaters annually.  She was instrumental in starting “Christmas in the Park”, and she was active as a Den Leader for the Cub Scouts.  Kay was an avid animal lover, having saved many animals and assisted in rehoming countless others.  Kay had a lasting impression on everyone that knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Jack Girard.

Kay is survived by her husband; children, Rick (Lisa) Champley, Phyllis (Jon) Rosenthal, and Phil (Rhoda) Champley, all of Taylorville; 8 grandchildren, Kurt (Joellen), Kyle, Katelyn (Brian), Kregg, Karson, Karter, Kelsi, and Kord (Madisyn); 11 great grandchildren, Jade, Justin, Jalen, Jagger, Shey, Cooper, Briggs, Laker, Ellie, Beckett, and Cainen; sister, Bev Bergschneider; cohort in crime and special friend, Tracy Mills; her last dog, Herbie; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

Visitation & Memorial Ceremony: The family will receive friends from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 18, 2022 at the Community of Christ, 321 E. Bidwell Street, Taylorville, IL 62568.  The memorial ceremony will follow the visitation at 3:00 p.m. with Lori McClung officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Christmas in the Park c/o Taylorville Park District, PO Box 263, Taylorville, IL 62568, or Christian County Animal Control, 300 S. Baughman Rd, Taylorville, IL 62568.

The family has entrusted Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home in Taylorville with ceremonies.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories of Vincent, or to offer condolences to his family.