Nona "Kay" Davis' Obituary
Nona Kay Davis, age 86, of Energy, IL, passed away in her home on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 5:20 a.m., surrounded by her loving family.
Kay was born on September 14, 1939, in Pinckneyville, IL, a daughter to Ernest Frank and Emma (Gaston) Freeman. Kay worked as a social worker for Southern Illinois Hospice until her retirement. She also worked as an LPN, a seamstress for dresses, and made wedding cakes for the local community. On September 15, 1956 she married Paul Dwyane Davis in Pinckneyville, IL and he preceded her in death on October 4, 1986. Later on, she married Donald Stephen Bruns in DuQuoin on May 26, 1990 and he preceded her in death on August 27, 2010. In 2011, Kay married Jesse Merkel and he has since passed away. She was a member of the 2nd Baptist Church in Herrin, IL and has been a member with Oak Grove Baptist Church since 1972.
Kay loved quilting and belonged to the Sacred Heart Quilters Club. Kay was happiest when she was helping others, which showed through her volunteer work at the DuQuoin Food Pantry and at Church. She helped with the bus Ministries and children’s church for Oak Grove with her husband Paul. Kay loved her family and enjoyed helping to raise her grandkids. She loved David who was her favorite and only son-in-law and would bake him apple pies. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Survivors include her daughters, Beth (Calvin “Champ”) Davis of Marion, IL and Kim (David) Normington of Energy, IL; special daughter, Elaine Fisher, M.D. of Litchfield, IL; step-children, Todd (Nairim) Bruns and Gayle Bruns, all of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren, Alexis (Amber) Ragsdale of Herrin, IL and Brandon (Ashley) Ragsdale of New Port Richey, FL; step-grandchild, Ashley Bruns and Ryne Bruns, both of TX; great-grandchildren, Aaron Hughey-Ragsdale of Herrin, IL, A.J. Ragsdale of Herrin, IL, Elena Ragsdale of New Port Richey, FL, and Carter Paul Ragsdale of New Port Richey, FL; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Paul Davis, Donald Bruns, and Jesse Merkel; two brothers, Frank “Junior” Freeman and George E. Freeman; one sister, Edna Freeman; and many other relatives.
A funeral service will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with Brother Rob Mathis officiating. Interment will be in Oak Grove Baptist Cemetery, Pinckneyville, IL.
Visitation will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or Oak Grove Baptist Church.
Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL, has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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