Evelyn “Kay” Aderhold of Hoover, Alabama passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at the age of 86. She spent her last days at her daughter’s home in Oneonta where she was able to say goodbye to several friends and family. From very humble beginnings, Kay created an extraordinary life. She was raised by a single mother who struggled to make ends meet but did everything to keep their three-person family, including Kay and her sister June, together. After high school in Fairfax, Alabama she went to the big city of Birmingham to attend secretary school. There she met the love of her life, Gary. They would have been married 65 years in December, setting an example for her children and grandchildren of a lifetime of devotion and commitment. They had three children, April, Allison and Adrian, and she spent the first 25 years of her marriage making a loving and supporting home for her family. Professionally, she worked at UAB for many years, personally managed and maintained dozens of rental properties (where she supported and rooted for her tenants like they were family), and created a successful travel company from scratch along the way. She could do anything she set her mind to and loved a challenge.
Kay’s journey on earth was marked by love, compassion and an unwavering faith in God. Kay had a servant’s heart; she fully lived the principal of putting God first, others second, yourself third. In fact, her grandkids said “selfless” was the first word that came to mind to describe her. She loved everyone she met, and she loved giving to others. Everyone who knew her loved her, and many would say as much when meeting her family. Her children and grandchildren knew her support and love were unconditional; none of them would be who they are today without her. Her great grandchildren were the delight of her later years and were just beginning to know the love that was Grandmother. Kay was the rock of the family.
Kay was passionate about travelling across the US and around the world. She had a curiosity about the world and such a love of people, that going to new places and meeting new people is what made her happy. However, Kay was at her happiest when you combined three things: serving God, loving people, and travelling the world. She treasured her mission trips to the Amazon River area. She and Gary traveled to multiple countries across six continents, always sharing God’s love with everyone they met along the way. The profound impact she made on the lives her family, friends, and those she met along the way will be lasting.
Kay is preceded in death by her beloved daughter, April Miller. She is survived and missed by her loving husband of 64 years, Gary Aderhold; her children Allison Dickinson (Scott) of Oneonta and Adrian Westfall (Andy) of Birmingham; and forever cherished by her four grandchildren Trent Sandlin (Joie), Lauren Hudson (Jared), Isaac Westfall (Anna Catherine) and Charlotte Westfall. She will be missed by her great grandchildren Ellie & Kase Sandlin and Everly, Ansley & Isla Hudson. She also leaves a sister, June Norred of Cartersville Georgia, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Kay was a member of First Baptist Church of Gardendale Alabama.
A celebration of life memorial service for Evelyn will be held Sunday, July 27, 2025, from 2 p.m. at Moss-Service Funeral Home, 1901 2nd Ave North West, Cullman, AL 35055, Evelyn’s family will receive friends from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
