Obituary of Joan Button

Joan "Kay" Button, 83, passed away on January 24, 2022 in the comfort of her beloved home of 54 years after a courageous battle with colon and pancreatic cancers.

Born on June 22, 1938 to Merle W. Raynor and Myrtle I. Fann and a lifelong resident of Westfield, Kay graduated from Westfield Academy and Central School with honors in 1956. She worked as a stenographer for Welch Foods from 1956 to 1958. Kay then devoted the next 12 years to raising her three children. She returned to work for Chautauqua Co. Health Dept. in 1970 and retired in 1998.

Kay’s greatest loves were home and family. She enjoyed working in her flower gardens and she had a passion for animals, particularly cats. Kay was blessed with many artistic talents. She had a beautiful singing voice. Many said she had the voice of an angel. Kay and her loving companion William "Bill" Reid (1931-2021) recorded dozens of pop and country songs from the 60s and 70s on reel to reel. They also played with several local bands through the years. Kay loved reading and writing. She kept a daily journal, authored 2 mystery novellas "Restless Remains" and "Deadly Dilemma." Kay's love of animals is portrayed by her characterizations and colored pencil illustrations in her 3rd book "Growing Pains", a collection of short stories for children. Kay also did detailed pen and ink drawings of animals and painted scenery in watercolor.

Kay was a shy, private person and stayed close to home. Those who knew her will remember her generosity and selflessness. She was strong-willed and had a keen sense of humor and sharp wit. Her thick wavy locks of natural auburn hair were the envy of many and topped her fanciful dressing style. She loved getting "dolled up." A beautiful lady inside and out and a wonderful human being who put others before herself. Kay will be forever loved and missed. She is survived by her 3 children: Randall (Westfield, NY), Sandra (Beverly, Ma) and Jody (Janice) (Springville, NY), and 7 grandchildren: Vanessa Button, Lindsay (Richard) Hebel, Rebecca (Tyler) Shannon, Tahnia Button, Jacob Button, Randy (Emily) Button, Jr. and Jesse Hoch. She is further survived by 8 great grandchildren,(Parker Button, Kenadee Dopp, Parker Dopp, Logan Hebel, Rexton Shannon, Chase Button, Jacob Button and Caleb Button. Kay was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Warren "Mickey" Raynor, a sister Beverly "Sis" Davis, a niece Michele Milliman, and her loving companion of 58 years William "Bill" Reid.

A Celebration of Kay's Life will be held at the convenience of the family. Date and time to be announced. Memorial contributions may be made to Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care, Lakewood, New York.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason Funeral Home, 37 Clinton St. Westfield, NY 14787 Please share condolences at www.masonfuneral.com.