Katheryn "Kay" E. Aiton, age 88 of Grand Rapids, MN, crossed over into the arms of her Lord, Jesus Christ on July 5, 2024, at Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital of Grand Rapids.

Kay was born in Hibbing, MN to Francis & Thelma (Palmer) Knight in 1936.  At age nine, she moved with her family to Grand Rapids, MN. Kay graduated from Grand Rapids High in 1954.  She was united in marriage to Warren F. Rowe, and they made homes in IL and MI before returning to MN to raise their children. As a child, Kay contracted scarlet fever, but she was misdiagnosed. It ravaged her kidneys, leading to a needed transplant in 1965. Thankfully, her brother Jim was a match and came to her rescue.  Because of his selflessness Kay was able to raise her children and enjoy her grandchildren.

Kay's husband Warren died in 1969 leaving her as sole parent of their children, Michael and Andrea.  She worked at JCPenney while going through nurses training.  Kay became an LPN and began her career at the CNC unit of Itasca Memorial Hospital where she remained until her retirement. In 1978, Kay married Bruce Aiton of Grand Rapids, MN. Bruce was a local entrepreneur.  He created a few successful businesses in town, but Itasca Coin Laundry and Plaza Laundry were Bruce and Kay's joint endeavors. After retirement they moved to the Colony Square community where they were very active and made some terrific friends.  Kay loved living there and in Grand Rapids. She considered the community her second family.

Kay is preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Warren Rowe and Bruce Aiton; infant daughter, Elizabeth Rowe; son, Michael Rowe; and sister in-law, Kathy Knight. She is survived by daughter, Andrea Rowe; son in-law, Randy Neisius, MN; daughter in- law, Marissa Rowe, CA; siblings, Margaret (Paul) Dow, CO, Jim Knight, MN, Raymond (Sharon) Knight, MN; two grandchildren, two great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews; Bruce's children and grandchildren; and other family and friends.

A memorial gathering is planned for Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at Colony Square Community Room, 1850 SE 2nd Ave, Grand Rapids, MN.