Fondalene Hay

1940-2026

"A mother's love is the quiet strength that holds a family together. Though her hands now rest, the love she poured into every life she touched will remain forever in the hearts of those she leaves behind.”

Fondalene Hay, age 85, of Kenova, WV, entered into eternal rest and the arms of her Heavenly Father, on July 13, 2026.

Fondalene was born on a warm summer's day, August 29, 1940, the cherished daughter of the late Charlie and Polly Ann Johnson Bowen. As the youngest of eleven children, she was lovingly known as the baby of a large and close-knit family. With ten brothers and sisters by her side, she never wanted for friendship. Her childhood was filled with laughter, love, and treasured memories that laid the foundation for a lifetime of devotion to family. Those precious bonds never faded. Even in later years, mornings were often spent sharing coffee with her sisters, and any occasion was a reason to gather the family together. To Fondalene, family was life's greatest blessing.

When Fondalene got married and began having children she made raising them her full-time job. Fondalene made sure that she provided them a home full of love, security, and the smell of a home cooked meal. She was an excellent cook and her kitchen was her happy place. Fondalene took pride in her home and her housework was meticulous. She worked hard it making sure everything was in its place. If she ran out of things to clean inside you would find her outside sweeping the entire street she lived on. To say she was a hard worker was an understatement.

Fondalene was a lot of things, but most importantly she was a beloved mother, a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother, sister and friend. She was love beyond limits and will be missed beyond measure.

Left behind to carry on her legacy is her three children Michael Caldwell and his wife Tammy, Marlene Caldwell, and Greg Hay and his wife Christy, all of Kenova, WV, her beloved grandchildren, Jocelyn, Jerad, Ashlee, Austin, and Haley, great-grandchildren, Caylyn, Jayce, Kaiden, Kylie, and Stella, one brother Leo Bowen of Huntington, WV, a special daughter-in-law Angie Caldwell, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

In addition to her parents, Fondalene is preceeded in death by her husband Herbert Hay, one son David Caldwell, grandson Joshua, brothers, Luster Bowen, Albert Bowen, Freeland Bowen, and sisters, Virgie Bowen, Oma Fannin, Margie Marcum, Dossie Preece, Martha Clay, and Eldia Elkins.

A funeral service to honor the life of Fondalene will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Neal Funeral Home, located at 2409 Center Street, Catlettsburg, KY, beginning at 11am with Pastor Eddie Hay officiating. Visitation for friends and family will take place on Friday, July 17, 2026,at the funeral home from 6pm to 8pm. Fondalene will be laid to rest following the service on Saturday at Docks Creek Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to the family from our website at kilgorecollierfuneralhome.com or on Facebook at Neal-Kilgore & Collier Funeral Home.

Neal-Kilgore & Collier is honored to be serving the family of Fondalene Hay.