On Tuesday, March 31, 2020, our loving mother and grandmother, Kay Marie Stephens, surrounded by her daughters and family ran into the arms of Jesus — taking his hands and gaining her wings to Heaven. Her faith in and love for Jesus was the center of her life and she will be incredibly missed by all who loved her.
Kay was born on July 21, 1950, in East Raymond, Washington, to Edward LeRoy and AnnaBelle (McMonagle) Stephens. The youngest of three children, Kay grew up in Menlo, Washington, where she was raised on Belmont Road at the family farm. Kay often spoke of her happy childhood with loving parents and wonderful neighborhood friends. Kay graduated from Willapa Valley High School in 1969 and remained close to her beloved Valley Viking classmates. On July 12, 1969, Kay married William “Jim” James Carlson at the Raymond Methodist Church. She often spoke of her special and beautiful wedding day and held a picture of her and Jim in her bible all these years. Jim and Kay moved to Quinault, Washington, and raised four beautiful girls. They had a wonderful life together and decades of beautiful memories. Being the mother to Kellie, Hollie, Mindy and Heather was her greatest love and being a grandmother to her 18 grandchildren was her greatest blessing that brought her incredible joy and happiness. Kay’s life was centered around her grandchildren and she was without a doubt, the greatest Nana ever.
In 1989, Kay began working as a volunteer for the Lake Quinault Fire Department and later became a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in 1994 for which she was so proud to have earned her certification. She volunteered in this capacity for 12 years serving her community and those in need. She was a member of the Quinault “lunch bunch” and her memories with her girlfriends were often shared over the years with much laughter and joy. Kay was an active member of the Quinault Valley Chapel in Neilton, Washington, where her friendships and church family were a huge part of her life. Her special and close friendship to Pastor Gery West’s wife, Carmen, was held very dear to her heart and she loved her deeply like a sister. She taught Sunday School for most of her adult life and spent countless summers as a Camp Counselor at Camp Sanders in Tensed, Idaho and Camp Roganunda in Naches, Washington. She loved teaching about Jesus and she lived her life loving Him. These memories, friendships and special times with all the children at church camp were treasured times for Kay.
Kay’s life was dedicated to loving and making a difference in the lives of children. She worked at the Lake Quinault School for 26 years from 1990–2016 as a teacher’s aide where she served in virtually every capacity teaching and loving children unconditionally. She was known as Nana Kay, Miss Kay and Kay-Kay to thousands of children over the years that loved her like their own. The love and impact she had on the children of Lake Quinault is hard to put into words as her kindness, compassion and love she showed all “her kids” made her the most hugged and the most loved of anyone we knew. Simply put, her impact on their lives was powerful and she kept in contact with the majority of them through Facebook and letters after she retired in 2016 to become a full-time Nana. Her long-time friend Barbara Marshall who worked along-side her at the school was one of her closest friends and a loyal girlfriend that she loved all of her days.
The past two years brought significant and constant struggle to Kay’s life as she battled extraordinary and complicated breathing challenges, but it was also a time of great faith, grace, courage, reconciliation, strength and love. A battle that Kay fought with extraordinary bravery that coined her with the name “Kay Strong” by her beloved team of doctors and nurses at Swedish Medical Center where she was loved and adored by all who cared for her. Kay ultimately declared victory and was able to spend several precious months with her family and grandchildren by her side before God called her home. Kay fought her battle with the most positive attitude and a determined will to survive. She never complained, her smile was contagious, her courage triumphed over fear and her steady and constant faith in God was inspiring and life changing for others to witness. She knew God was working through her life and she shined as she taught us all so much about life, courage, strength, love, faith, hope and the power of prayer. During this time, she developed a special friendship with her doctor, Jed Gorden, who like Kay, never gave up and fought alongside of her with extraordinary love, talents, wisdom, courage and strength. He is all that is good in this world and she often said he was a true gift from God. She loved his goofy hair and kind heart and his impact on her life, and hers on his, was an extremely special testimony.
Kay was preceded in death by her father, Roy; her mother, AnnaBelle, for whom she loved deeply; a brother, Larry and a cousin and special friend, Tom Beckham, that she absolutely loved beyond measure. She is survived by the love of her life, Jim Carlson; her daughter, Kellie Daniels and son-in-law, Corey and their four sons, Cameron, Cole, Carson and Casey John; her daughter, Hollie Nelson and son-in-law, Mike and their children, Michael-Anne, Addison, Ashleigh, Hannah and Riley; her daughter, Mindy Carlson and her children, Grady, London, Noah John, Mary, Dianne and Kariana; her daughter, Heather Perry and son-in-law, Jeff and their children, Cody, Karly and Trinity; her big sister, Barbara Kratzer and brother-in-law, Dave and several nieces and nephews that she adored with cherished memories. Kay also served as a Mom and Nana to many foster children over the years making a difference in the lives of all she touched. She held a special place in her heart for Wesley “Wedge” Johnson and Nicholas and Mike Beddow that she loved like sons.
A celebration of life in Lake Quinault will be planned at a later date when family and friends can join together to remember and celebrate Kay. In the interim, we ask that you share stories and photos on Kay’s Facebook page as they would bring much comfort to her daughters during this difficult time. Letters and photos may also be sent to her daughter, Kellie Daniels at PO Box 145, Cosmopolis, Washington, 98537 and will be shared with her sisters and family.
In memory of Kay, a charitable donation may be made to the “Kay Stephens Memorial Scholarship Fund” where an annual scholarship will be awarded in Kay’s name to a graduating senior from Lake Quinault High School who exemplifies love, kindness, and compassion to others. Contributions may be mailed to PO Box 16, Quinault, Washington 98575 and joined with funds Kay left to start this memorial scholarship.
Kay’s life was beautiful and full of God’s perfect love that led her to her Angel wings. Kay embodies every fruit of the Spirit and we are so grateful and blessed with the gift of knowing that she is alive and well and dancing with Jesus for all eternity. And we are grateful for the promise that God sends his greatest of Angels to protect us wherever we go. You have gained your beautiful wings Mom. Fly High, Hallelu-Yah, Fly High!
We love you, more. And yes, it is possible. X O
Arrangements are by the Coleman Mortuary, 422 5th Street in Hoquiam, Washington.
Please take a few moments to record your thoughts for the family by signing the on-line register at www.colemanmortuary.net.
