Kay "Bolivar" Lockhart

Janice "Kay" Gothard Lockhart, age 77, of Bolivar, Missouri, passed away at home on March 15, 2026. Born on September 5, 1948, in Cedar County, Missouri, she was the widow of Wayne Lockhart, who preceded her in death on November 18, 1999, after 29 years of marriage.

Kay retired in 2017 after 13 years as cashier at Fresh Ideas Foodservice at SBU. She was twice named SBU’s Staff Member of the Year, though she was not officially employed by the university. Faculty, staff, and students adored her, and many former students stayed in touch long after graduation. She proudly drove her car with the license plate “Ms. Kay.”

Her greatest joy was her family. She cherished her children, grandchildren, and especially her great-grandchildren, faithfully attending their games and parties and always keeping snacks in the pantry for them. She could often be found with a little one sitting in her lap.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Helen Gothard, her in-laws, Clifford and Ruby Lockhart, and many other family members. She is survived by her children, Mark and Alanda Cantrell of Goodson, Missouri, Chris and JoNeita Kerr of Nixa, Missouri, and EJ and Stelia Lockhart of Bolivar, Missouri; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Her family finds comfort knowing she is reunited with Wayne.