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CONWAY, S.C. -- Catherine Ann "Kay" Soles, formerly of Fowler, was sent to her eternal home on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, after 89 years on this earth. We believe she was met in heaven by the arms of her beloved husband, John. She passed in her sleep after dealing for many years with COPD, in the home she shared with her son, John Steven "Steve" Soles, and her daughter-in-law, Tina Armorganos Soles.
She was born March 19, 1936, in Fairmont, W. Va., the daughter of Ray Dewey Saunders Sr. and Lydia Virginia Coburn Saunders.
She was married, and eventually they made their home in Fowler, and it was there John passed away in November 1991. She never remarried.
Kay is survived by her children, Debra (Jim) Guthrie and John Steven (Tina) Soles Sr.; and her grandchildren, John Steven (Sharon) Soles Jr., Matthew (Jasmine) Guthrie and Brandon Scott (Mary) Soles. She is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews; as well as great-nieces and great-nephews belonging to the Soles, Hardway, Manzo, Saunders and Coburn families, most located throughout the Ohio and West Virginia areas.
Kay was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, John Soles; her parents, Ray and "Virginia" Saunders; her sister, Llwelyn "Boots" Manzo; and her brothers, Ray Dewey "Ray-Joon" Saunders Jr. and Paul Sherman Saunders. She also had two grandsons preceding her in death, Nicholas and Joshua Soles; and one son-in-law, James (Debbie) Guthrie.
In her younger years, Kay enjoyed gardening, traveling and taking walks; but nothing brought her greater joy than raising her children and being with her husband, John. In later years, after losing the ability to walk, she enjoyed watching classic movies and TV shows, reading and "people watching."
Though she never joined any groups or belonged to any particular church, she chose to be baptized at home at age 88, with her son Steve being baptized as well by her side, with Pastor Ron performing the service.
Kay's wish was to be cremated and have her urn placed next to her husband, John, at his side, in a West Virginian mountainside cemetery in Hundred, W.Va., named Thomas Chapel Cemetery.
Though the family is not requesting memorial donations, donations may be made to the immediate family, Amedisys Hospice of Conway, South Carolina, or Thomas Chapel Cemetery.
A special thanks goes out to Kay's immediate and extended families, including aide Kristie (prior to her move to South Carolina) and the medical staff of Amedisys Hospice of Conway, South Carolina, with a special mention to Shana, Brittney, Tina, Kelly, Solonda "Ki-Ki" and Pastor Ron.
A memorial service in Ohio, followed by the burial of the urn in West Virginia the following day, will be announced in the Tribune Chronicle in the spring of 2026.
(special notice)