For all she packed into her life, May Kay LaMont needed every one of the 102 years she spent on this earth.

She became a beloved figure in Huntington County for her kindness and ever-present smile, and for her tireless work for the young people of the community — from the youngest receiving early-childhood learning to the students of Huntington College.

Born in 1914 in Oakwood, Ohio, Kay LaMont had a varied and interesting early life. She was a representative of Niagara Cyclo Massage in Clearwater, Florida.  She was “Aunt Sally’s helper” on the “Aunt Sally” children’s program on Fort Wayne radio station WOWO, and she worked as a hosiery inspector at Wayne Knitting Mill. Her résumé also included working at Hartzell Travel Bureau in the Hotel LaFontaine, and serving as president of Maco Corporation for more than two years.

Her life of service included being the first woman to serve on the Huntington College Board of Trustees. She was a 30-year member of the Huntington College Foundation board of directors. She was instrumental in raising funds for various Foundation initiatives, including scholarships and grants for Huntington County students. LaMont was a member of the Huntington College Auxiliary and the Merillat Centre for the Arts Advisory Board. In 2003, she was honored with the Huntington College Foundation Distinguished Service Award.

She was active with Monday Club, PEO Sisterhood, Red Cross, Good Samaritans, YMCA, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and had served in various lay leadership capacities.

LaMont was named Chief of the Flint Springs Tribe in 1981 — the first woman to receive the honor.

She had a passion for service and was dedicated to the children of the Huntington community. In 1989, LaMont led the charge to raise more than $300,000 to create an integrated child-care facility in Huntington — what is now Pathfinder Kids Kampus. She was an advocate for children and the lifetime benefits enjoyed by children of all abilities when they are a part of an early learning program.

LaMont served on the Pathfinder Foundation board of directors and was integral in establishing its prestigious Herbert LaMont Award, created in 1986 in honor of her late husband. The LaMont Award honors a member of the Huntington community who has gone above and beyond in the service to those with developmental disabilities.

Kay LaMont died in 2016. There were few in Huntington County who had not been affected — directly or indirectly — from her special outreach. Even in her later years she would welcome visitors into her home to offer them stories, kindness and counsel.