Kay Utterback Fannin

Kay Utterback Fannin, age 81, of Pennington Flats Road, Morehead, passed away Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the UK-St. Claire HealthCare in Morehead.

Kay was a precious soul with a heart of gold. She was loved by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her kindness, warm heart, and loving spirit made her someone truly special. To know Kay was to love her.

She was born January 25, 1945, in Paragon, Kentucky, and was a daughter of the late William Rufus “Bill Pug” Utterback and Maggie Marie Jenkins Utterback. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 52 years, William Conrad “Bill” Fannin” whom she married November 14, 1970, and passed away on January 2, 2023; her son, Andy Fannin; two brothers, Chalmer Utterback and Charles Utterback; and three sisters, Grace Gregory, Charlotte Donahue, and Pauline Cole.

Raised in Paragon as the youngest of six children, Kay learned early in life the importance of family, hard work, and dedication. She began her career at Martin’s Department Store before moving on to Dr. Porter’s office. She later joined Billy in opening B&W Pallet Co., which eventually became Fannin Industries. Together, they worked hard to build a business they could be proud of.

Kay enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. She loved cheering on her Kentucky Wildcats basketball team, working in her garden, sewing, and spending time with her beloved dog, Ollie.

Above all the things Kay loved in life, nothing compared to the love she had for her family.

She was a loving mother to Andy and Tori, but one of the greatest joys of her life was being called Mamaw. Her grandchildren, Kaden, Reece, and Kinsley, were her pride and joy. The arrival of her precious great-grandson, Rhett, brought another special blessing into her life.

Kay treasured every moment spent with her family. Whether it was a simple visit, a family gathering, or just being together, those were the moments that meant the most to her.

She was a woman who loved deeply, gave generously, and touched the hearts of so many. Her presence brought comfort, her love brought happiness, and her memory will forever be cherished.

Kay will be deeply missed by her family, her friends, and the countless people whose lives she touched. Although her absence leaves a space that can never be filled, the love she shared will continue to live on through the generations of her family.

Her greatest legacy wasn’t the business she helped build or the things she accomplished, but the family she loved and the countless hearts she touched along the way.

She is survived by one daughter, Tori Earlywine and husband Adam of Morehead; five grandchildren, Kaden Earlywine, Reece Earlywine, Kinsley Earlywine, David Fannin, and Samuel Fannin; one great grandson, Rhett Earlywine; two sisters-in-law, Phyllis Utterback of Clearfield and Kay Fannin of Morehead; several nieces and nephews; a special niece, Lisa Rodriguez, as well as extended family and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with Pastor Matt Richardson officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers: Kaden Earlywine, Reece Earlywine, Adam Earlywine, Tommy Lytle, Tanner Black, Brandon Lewis, and Tony Rodriguez.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351.

View memorial tribute or sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com