Karolyn Joyce Kinley

Jesus Christ, who began a good work in the heart and life of Karolyn (Kay) Kinley, has faithfully completed that work and called her home to his side on February 4th, 2025, just shy of her 91st birthday.

Kay was born in Sioux City, Iowa on April 5, 1934, the second of four children born to Tom and Helen Knuckles. She was preceded in death by her three siblings. Kay graduated from South High School in Denver, CO and moved north to Spokane, WA to attend Whitworth College, where she earned an education degree. Kay met her husband Ron, while leading a Youth For Christ Club at a local high school. They were married in 1955 and graduated in 1956.

They soon started a family and had three children born in just two years (daughter Sally, followed by twins, Tim and Sue). When Kay was 41, their fourth child, Todd was born. Kay’s first priority was being a wife and mother. Next was volunteering. Over a 45-year span at Fourth Memorial Church she began and directed Pioneer Girls, Junior Girls Camps at Riverview Bible Camp, lead eight Junior Choir Musicals, directed DVBS , Women’s Bible Studies including Precept Bible Study Leader and sang in the adult choir. She was also a speaker and coordinator for Christian Women’s Club. Kay served on the NW Teen Jamboree board for 32 years, managing Bible Bowl Tournaments and Music Contests.

For thirteen years she and Ron led Bible studies at Juvenile Detention. Well into her 80’s she enjoyed playing piano for Awana Clubs each week. As of a month ago, Kay was still hosting a small group Bible Study in her home. She was actively involved in Republican politics locally.

Kay was a friendly, gracious woman who showed hospitality to everyone. She loved music and was a talented pianist and singer. A deeply loved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, aunt, friend, and sister in Christ, Kay is survived by her daughter Sally (Kurt) Fullmer and grandchildren Mikayla Hoffman (children Ezra and Sage), Dan (Jillian) Fullmer (children Kinley, Eliana, and Dean), and John Fullmer; her son Tim Kinley and grandchildren Trace(Ashley)Kinley (children Addison and Logan), Max, and Charlie; her daughter Sue (David) Michaelsen and grandchildren Angie (Phil) Haugen (children Kali, Grace, Aiden and Olivia), Rob (Leslie) Michaelsen (children Britton, Ainsley and Cambrie), Melinda (Max) Parker (children Crew and Delta), and Melissa (Seth) Barnes (children Nash and Jace);and son Todd (Jamie) Kinley and grandson JonJon. Kay also has four great-great grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held at South Hill Bible Church, 958 E 29th Ave, in Spokane on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Donations could be made to South Hill Bible Church Missions or Casa Aleluya Orphanage in Guatemala, the place where Kay’s grandson JonJon lived until adopted by Todd and Jamie. https://www.casaaleluya.org/donate