Cathal Virgene Hartness

Cathal V. “Kay” Hartness, 91, Detroit Lakes, MN, died peacefully on Thursday, January 1 at Essentia-St. Mary’s Hospital in Detroit Lakes. Kay’s first love was her family and friends. A celebration of Kay’s life will be held this summer.

Cathal Virgene Hartness was born August 18, 1934, in Fairmount, North Dakota to Dean and Madelyn (Parkhill) Cox. She was united in marriage to Pat Grover in 1968 in Detroit Lakes. They operated Grover Truck Stop and Petroleum until his death in 1974. She was united in marriage to Jim Hartness January 1, 1978. He died in 2006, and Kay continued to make her home in Detroit Lakes.

Kay led an extremely active life having served on the church board for the Congregational United Church of Christ; was the church Treasurer and church historian for many years. She was active in Campfire, at the Tamarac Wildlife Refuge where she was named the Volunteer of the year, in the 412 Lakes Classic Car Club and served for three years on the Becker County Food Pantry Board. She was an avid Miniature Club participant, Doll Collector and birder.

Kay is survived by 2 daughters: Rikki (John) Given and Cindie Blaha both of Detroit Lakes, grandchildren: Birk Larsen, Lane (Scott) House, Ray (Sarah) Blaha, Joel (Melissa) Blaha and Danny (Becky) Blaha. 4 great grandchildren: Callum and Brewer House, Nolan and Garrett Blaha and her brother: Bobbe (Nora) Cox.

It was Kay’s wish that, “in leu of memorial gifts to the family, and to honor her memory and heart's desire to “make a difference”, the family asks that everyone simply consider doing an act of kindness to make a positive difference in their family, place of work, neighborhood community or world.”

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Kay's life during the visitation, which will take place on July 20, 2026, from 1 PM to 2 PM, followed by a memorial service starting at 2 PM, at the Congregational United Church of Christ, located at 900 Lake Ave, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501.