Kay Goeken

Kay Lynn Goeken, 79, of Lafayette, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, September 27, 2026, while under hospice care.

Kay was born March 16, 1947, in Danville, Illinois. She was the youngest of three children born to Harold Calvin and Doris Lorene (Hines) Knight. She attended Havana Jr./Sr. High School, graduated from Pekin Community High School in 1965, and went on to attend Bradley University in Peoria. On May 28, 1966, she married Gregory E. Goeken at Grace Methodist Church in Pekin. They later divorced.

As a young woman, Kay worked for Central Illinois Light Company (CILCO) before devoting herself to her family. In her youth, she was a baton twirler and a Girl Scout, and she later led a Brownie troop. She was skilled with her hands and enjoyed macramé and cross-stitching. She was a lifelong Methodist. Those who knew her will remember that she was rarely seen without a Diet Coke close at hand.

Kay is survived by her children, Laurie Goeken Locke of Lafayette, Indiana; Jenny Goeken Ferguson of North Carolina; and Gregory Scott Goeken (Debbie Wanapun) of Connecticut. She is also survived by her brother, Larry Knight of Leesburg, Florida; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and extended family in Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Albert Knight; her granddaughter, Kaylee Conkright; and her former husband, Gregory E. Goeken.

The family is deeply grateful to Laurie and Jenny, who lovingly cared for Kay for many years. They also thank the staff of Redcrest Hospice for their compassionate care.

In keeping with Kay’s wishes, she will be cremated, and her ashes will be scattered privately at a later date. No services are planned.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Kay’s daughter and caregiver, Laurie Goeken Locke.