Kelli Sue Kay
July 06, 1960 - June 04, 2024
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Kelli Sue Kay
July 06, 1960 - June 04, 2024
Obituary
Kelli Sue Kay, born on July 6, 1960, in Lawrence, Kansas, to Robert and Sharon DeMate, passed away on June 4, 2024, in Bellingham, Washington. Kelli was a beloved mother, grandmother and friend.
Kelli was the best mom in the world, always attending her children’s sports games and school activities, and ensuring there was always a home-cooked meal for dinner. Kelli was there for every homework assignment, every game her granddaughter Gwenn wanted to play, and every deep, joyous laugh, which always left us to the point where we couldn’t breathe! She had a special knack for teaching fun facts and new things, and her love for her flowers and garden was evident to all who knew her.
Kelli was so happy to move to Bellingham, Washington, and began the next chapter of her life as a master gardener. She not only tended to her own garden but also contributed to the community, sharing her knowledge and passion for horticulture. Her friends and the Bellingham community will remember her active presence and the joy she brought to their lives.
She loved attending Tom Petty concerts and rocking out, spending time with her best friend Alma and Aunt Cheryl, and talking with her daughter, who was also one of her best friends. She cherished watching her daughter graduate college, running her own business, and traveling to see nature’s wonders.
Kelli was so proud of her son Corbin who received a full-ride scholarship to play football at Rocky Mountain College. She was there for his graduation from college, the birth of her first grandchild and the marriage of Corbin and Alyssa. She was so proud of how far he came and how smart he was.
She loved her family deeply and was immensely proud of her children, Katie Kay and Corbin Kay, and her grandchild Gwenn.
Kelli is survived by her son, Corbin (Alyssa) Kay, her daughter Katie Kay (Jasper Carabajal), her granddaughter Gwen, her brothers Joe DeMate and Rob DeMate, her Aunt Cheryl Barber, her stepmother Connie DeMate, nieces Nikki DeMate, Amila DeMate, and her nephew Antonio DeMate.
She was predeceased by her parents, Robert Donald DeMate and Sharon DeMate.
Kelli’s memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.
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4 responses to Kelli Sue Kay
Donna Lynn Dunham says:
June 13, 2024
Thinking of you sweet Kelli. I know we all go back to our true home at some point and I know you are singing with all the angels and your loved ones that left before us. I will watch over your daughter for you as she has been such a blessing in our lives as you have as well. Until we meet again my friend co-mother in law.
Much Love,
Donna Lynn
Jessica Garcia says:
June 13, 2024
I can’t even look at the house knowing it’s not her when I hear the water going, or taking a walk or driving off. I miss her. Our talks before and after taking Anthony to school. Our talks everytime Mila took off and that happened a lot lol. I miss her telling me stories of how the neighborhood was when she was a kid. This isn’t fair to her. This isn’t fair to you and your brother and it wasn’t fair to her “Gwenny”. The heartache will hurt each day but the memories you’ll collect from everyone will help bring a smile to you and your family!🤍
Sarah Hoar Hilinski says:
June 17, 2024
My wonderful forever friend, how can this have happened?! You were so happy in Washington living close to family and friends. This is way too soon. Our hearts break for this unexpected loss. Your love of family, your love of plants, your wonderful cooking, your laughter, your friendship , your kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity will stay in our memories. You are tremendously loved and missed. Thank you for everything you did for us. You made our lives better.
XOXO, Sarah
Nancy Youngman says:
June 21, 2024
Kelli you will we missed dearly. I will miss seeing you each week at my home. Over our 18 years together, you became a dear friend. We shared so many memories together, our children, grandchildren and our weekly chats. Christmas won’t be the same without you. I loved how you made our home feel so warm with all your beautiful poinsettias and special touches.
I will miss your Christmas tamales, and of course, giving you my famous English toffee. Most of all you will be missed, and I will cherish our friendship forever.
Enma and Riley Will definitely miss greeting you ❣️
Our love and always in our hearts,
Nancy and Arn Youngman , Enma and Riley 🐾. Rest in peace my friend.