Kay Ann Bolander

Kay Ann Bolander, 86, of Midland, passed away on March 11, 2026, at Colonial Villa in Midland. She was born on January 24, 1940, in Bay City, the daughter of the late Fredrick Orman and Glenn Jane (Secor) Dutton. A 1958 graduate of Bay City Handy High School, Kay went on to attend Bay City Practical Nursing Center, where she earned her LPN. For many years she provided compassionate care to patients as a nurse at the Midland OBGYN Clinic, continuing to work part time well into her 70s even after retirement.

Kay shared a lifetime of love and adventure with her beloved husband, Edward Bolander. Having known each other since childhood, they married on April 15, 1961, and spent many happy years sailing the waters of the Great Lakes Bay. After Ed’s passing, she continued her travels with her sister and sisters-in-law, visiting Washington DC, Myrtle Beach, and the lakeside beauty of Door County, Wisconsin.

An avid bowler from a young age, Kay competed in leagues in both Midland and Bay City. Her competitive spirit earned her victory at the Michigan State Championship All Events Handicap in 1997. In later years she enjoyed friendly rivalries playing Mexican Train with her ladies group and remained a fierce competitor in puzzles, crosswords, sudoku, and Scrabble. She maintained many cherished friendships from her high school days, organizing reunions and gatherings, and gave generously of her time as a volunteer with Shelterhouse, Toni and Trish House, and the Humane Society of Midland County, where her deep love of cats was especially evident.

Kay’s friends and family were the center of her world. She is survived by her children, Randall (Emily) Bolander, Patrick Bolander, and Carolynn Derrick; grandchildren, Meagan (Charles) Garrison, Leslie (Colin) Loris, Jason (Cassandra) Ballard, Kyle Bolander, Ky Derrick, and Canon Derrick; and great-grandchildren, Carter Wearn, Charlie Garrison, Beau Garrison, and Benjamin Ballard. She is also survived by her siblings, Robert (Judy) Dutton, James (Debbie) Dutton, and Judy (Kenneth) Kussro; her dear friend and “Bestie” Sharon Capriccioso; and several nieces and nephews.