of Mountain Home, AR

October 4, 1951 - February 21, 2025

Kay Lynn Philipsen (Eaton), 73, passed away in the early morning of February 21, 2025 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri surrounded by those she loved most.

Kay was born on October 4, 1951 in Des Moines, Iowa to Jerald and Rosemary Eaton. She grew up in Des Moines and attended Tech High School, where she met the love of her life, Steve, just two years before graduating in 1969. The two were married on June 5, 1970 in Des Moines, Iowa, beginning a lifelong journey of love, partnership and adventure.

For many years, Kay and Steve owned and operated Collector MotorSports, a business dedicated to the world of racing. Their work took them to legendary tracks across America, including the Daytona 500, Road America, Sebring, Mid-Ohio and Watkins Glen, where they built not only a successful business but also lasting friendships within the racing community. Collector MotorSports was their shared passion and pride, and through it, they met incredible people who became like family.

Together, Kay and Steve lived in Des Moines, Rising Sun and Waukee, Iowa, before deciding to retire in Yellville, Arkansas in 2013. They spent a decade there before settling in Mountain Home, Arkansas, where they made their final home. Throughout their many adventures and challenges, Kay remained a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was Steve's rock-his best friend and confidant-always selfless, kind and unwavering in her love for her family.

Kay found joy in life's simple pleasures. She cherished game nights at the clubhouse with friends playing mahjong and Yahtzee and enjoyed quiet moments spent reading or crocheting. In her later years, she lovingly made blankets, hats and dish scrubbers, crafting special keepsakes for her daughter, three grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her hands were always busy creating warmth and comfort for those she loved.

Kay is lovingly survived by her husband, Steven Victor Philipsen and daughter, Kathryn Kay Philipsen both of the home; granddaughters, Moss ''Sydney'' (Devon) Philipsen-Smith, Morgan (Kieron) Ahrens and Tiffany (Joe) Roenfeldt; siblings, Henry Eaton and Patricia Critz; great-grandchildren, Anabelle, Emmaline, Gwendolyn and Matthew Roenfeldt, Amelia, Nova and Remi Ahrens; nieces and nephews, Jessica (Ron) Eshelman, Pamela (Mike) Stock, Michael (Brittany) Haymes, Matthew (Angela) Schomburg, Amanda (Jason) Staton and Kristin (Rebecca) Schomburg; She also leaves behind numerous extended family members and special friends whose lives she deeply touched.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jerald and Rosemary Eaton; her only beloved son, Steven ''Rob'' Philipsen and her nephew, Darrel Critz.

Kay's legacy of love, kindness and generosity will be carried forward by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Though she will be dearly missed, the memories she created will remain in our hearts forever.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 29th, 2025 at 4:00 pm at the Roller-Burns Funeral Home Chapel in Yellville, Arkansas.

Arrangements are in the care of Roller-Burns Funeral Home in Yellville, Arkansas. The family kindly requests that floral tributes be arranged through Heritage Blooms in Flippin, Arkansas to honor Kay's memory.

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