Kathryn "Kay" Mary (Muehlenbrock) Wood passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025, at the age of 86. Throughout her life, Kay was known for her kindness, compassion, humor and unwavering love for her family and friends. In her final days, she expressed deep gratitude for a long life filled with creativity, adventure, and meaningful connections.
Kay is preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Clara Muehlenbrock and her siblings Carol Phillips and Albert Muehlenbrock.
Kay was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on November 30, 1939. She attended Washington University, where she cultivated her passion for education and the arts. After graduating, she became a teacher and soon began her treasured role as a mother to her three daughters, Lisa K. Wood of Naples, FL; Heather L. Wood of St. Louis, MO; and Nicole E. Wood of Bonne Terre, MO.
Outside of her family, Kay was a talented and prolific artist whose work included photography, clay and mixed media designs.  Her "sparkly" animals and the paper ball crafts are cherished treasures for many who knew her.  Throughout her life, Kay continually honed her skills through workshops and artist groups and regularly showcased her talents in numerous art shows throughout St. Louis. Later in life, she served as the resident photographer at her home, Mason Point, capturing everyday moments with her keen eye and artistic spirit.
When Kay became a grandmother, she was all in. Her six grandchildren, Rachel (Uskokovich) Capitatini, Alex Uskokovich, Kirsten (Cash) Mesey, Grant Gornick, Blake Gornick and Juel Culver. Her grandkids adored their "Baba," who always provided a fun, safe and creative place for everyone. Baba never missed an important activity, but the most memorable adventures were always a visit to Baba's, which usually included some sort of dazzling art project or unique/funky experience. Most recently Kay became a great grandmother to Kashton Mesey.
Travel was another of Kay's great joys. Throughout her life, she explored new places with family and friends, collecting experiences with her curiosity and her camera. She found beauty in all parts of the world and delighted in sharing it with the people she loved.
Kay's friendships were as important to her as her family and she nurtured them thoughtfully, and with genuine care.  Because she invested so deeply, she enjoyed lifelong connections, including many that began in childhood and continued through every chapter of her life.
Kay Wood lived with intention, creativity, and heart. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and artistry that will continue to inspire all who knew her. She is lovingly remembered as a mother, grandmother, artist, teacher, traveler, and dear friend, someone who made the world more beautiful simply by being in it.
Donations in memory of Kay can be made to The International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum in St. Louis .
There will be a Celebration of Life event in early summer of 2026.
As a service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.