Richard "Rick" Shay

Richard "Rick" Douglas Shay passed away unexpectedly on July 7th, 2017. Born the oldest of eight children to Mike and Janice Shay of rural Paola on February 5th, 1952. He attended North Windy through 8th grade and graduated from Paola High School in 1970. During that time, he was president of the FFA his junior and senior year. He met the love of his life, Susie Boehm Emmart, in January of 1980 and they were united in marriage on November 28th, 1980. Rick and Susie were the proud parents of three children: Steven (Alicia), Sara (Gabe Cotter) and Katie (Jason Tigner). Rick spent most of his career farming and in later years, worked as a manager at Miami County Co-op, Ag Midwest and most recently was employed at Lybarger Oil delivering fuel. He had an impressive green thumb that allowed him to grow various types of plants and flowers...he was very proud of his beautiful yard. He also served on multiple agricultural committees and boards in the area. Rick was very devoted to his faith and family, and most of all, his thirteen grandchildren: Kaden, Kinley, Krislyn, Noah, Levi, Anna, Seth, Jesi, Johnny, Madison, Liam, Isabella and Nora Jo. You could find him in the kitchen most Sundays cooking a dinner for his family after Mass. Rick was also deeply involved with the Knights of Columbus as a fourth degree Knight and the present Grand Knight. He is preceded in death by his father, Mike Shay, father in law and mother in law, John and Lauretta Boehm, two nephews, Jason Grandon and Tyler Russell and a niece, Jessica Sanders. He is survived by his mother, wife of 36 years, three children, seven siblings: Ron, Mary, Janie, Jo, Tom, Lisa and Michelle, along with many other family members and friends. Services will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 501 E. Chippewa Street, Paola, Kansas. Rosary at 5:00 pm and visitation from 6:00-8:00 pm on Tuesday, July 11, 2017; Funeral Mass will be on Wednesday, July 12 at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 311 and Baptiste Dr. The family suggests Memorial contributions be made to Holy Trinity.