Kay Lorraine Huffman Criswell, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed peacefully on May 10, 2024 in Tumwater, Washington. Born in Bremerton Washington, on March 30, 1945 to biological parents Anne Bartell and Phillip Schroeder, Kay was lovingly adopted by Orville and Virginia (Miller) Huffman. The family eventually settled in Elma, where a brother, Jeffery was welcomed to the family. Kay graduated from Elma High School and went on to marry and later divorce Tim Criswell.

Their early family life was spent in Seattle, where they welcomed their eldest daughter Cyndy. They eventually returned to Elma where Michelle and Jennifer joined the family. The family then again moved to Montesano, where Kay would spend the rest of her adult life. It is also where Kay began her career for the Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Department. Her dedicated service began as a matron dispatcher and allowed her to rise to the level of civil clerk. It was there at work that Kay developed her circle of friends, fondly known as “the posse,” who shared in her adventures and provided unwavering support throughout her life.

It was her role as mother and grandmother where Kay had her most impact. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she found immense happiness in cheering them on from the sidelines of t-ball, pageants, or track. Kay’s passion for quilting was something that she loved to share with her family.

In her passing, Kay is reunited with her parents, Orville and Virginia Huffman, her brother Jeffery, her biological siblings David, Jo Ann, Judy, Sandra Kay, and Lester. She is survived by biological siblings Jim, Patty, Tim, Debbie, and Art. Her love carries on in her daughters, Cynthia Jackson, Michelle Criswell Reed (Steven), Jennifer Goble (Terrell), and her beloved grandchildren: Dr. Ashley Christensen (Sheldon), Danyelle Christensen, Allison Criswell (Rick), Connor Reed, McKinley Bowles (Ryan) and Tyler Goble.

At her request there will be no funeral, a memorial get together will be planned at a later date.