Gloria Kay Hawkins

Kay is survived by her children, Randall (Charlotte) Hawkins, Arthur (Tracey) Hawkins, and Donella (Brian) Camacho; as well as her thirteen grandchildren; and her five great-grandchildren. Her father, Ora Brown, mother, Edna Brown, four siblings, and loving husband, Donald Hawkins preceded her in death.

Kay was born on October 23, 1935 in Clayton, Kansas. Kay’s father and mother quickly relocated to Riverside, California a few years after she was born. Kay was the youngest of five children. She loved her two older brothers, Robert and Dale, and two older sisters, Norma and Wanda very dearly.

Kay met the love of her life, Donald Hawkins, at age 17 at a skating rink in Riverside. Don was a handsome soldier and his reputation preceded him, resulting in Kay’s friends telling her to stay away from him. However, she chose not to listen and they quickly fell in love. A few years later they married, relocated to Ventura, and started their life together.

Kay stayed at home to raise her three children and supported her husband Don while he ran the family business, Dons Drive-In. Together they loved to go on family trips, travel the world, go square dancing, attend Lion’s Club meetings and being surrounded by family and friends. They were very social and active members of the community. As her children got older, Kay decided to go back to work, and received her Real Estate License. She was successful in her endeavors and truly enjoyed her new profession.

A new opportunity arose, and in 1983 Kay and Don opened The Kimball Café on the east end of Ventura. Kay found pleasure working alongside her husband and children. She loved the opportunity to learn the restaurant business and enjoyed the friendships she made with their loyal employees and customers. The friendships that were made during the eight years of business, are still as strong today as they were then, proving that Kay was kind hearted, loyal, and devoted friend.

Later in life, Kay helped her son Art keep the family restaurant business alive, when he decided to open his own restaurant. The doors of Art’s Corner Café opened in 1998 in the same exact spot as Don’s Drive-In. Many of the loyal customers from Don’s Drive-In and The Kimball Café would come into Art’s and reminisce about “The good ole’ days.” She loved helping her son run his business and she would come in daily looking forward to mingle with the customers and employees. As much as she did not want to, in 2012 she “retired” from the restaurant business. Customers would constantly ask how “Miss Kay” was doing and missed her everyday presence.

Kay was a loving wife, mother, and nana who was devoted to her family and loved them unconditionally. Her family greatly admired her strength and strong will. She was great at giving advice and listening without judgment. Even until her very last moments on Earth she continued to strengthen the bond between her family. Kay will be forever missed and her spirit will be carried on forever in the lives of those that she has touched.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, January 31, 2016, from 1pm until 5pm, at Ted Mayr Funeral Home 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. A service will held at the same location the following day, Monday, February 1st, starting at 11 am, with a reception to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Kay’s life.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home. Ventura. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com