Kay Thomas

Kay Pauline Thomas (Butler), a beacon of love and light, age 81, unexpectedly transitioned to eternal life on Sunday, March 22, 2026 in Yakima, Washington. She was joyfully reunited with her devoted husband LeRoy Thomas Jr., her cherished son Stephen Lee Thomas, her parents and countless friends who welcomed her to Heaven with open arms.

Born in Aberdeen, WA, Kay’s journey took her to Ellensburg, and Seattle before finding her forever home with her true love, LeRoy, in Yakima. WA. where they nurtured their three children, Stephen Thomas, Shellie Sauve (Thomas) and Karissa Thomas building a life of memories that will endure forever. Their love story began at a dance, where it was love at first sight. This serendipitous moment blossomed into 54 years of marriage, until LeRoy’s passing, proving that true love knows no bounds of time or space. Now reunited, their bond will forever be celebrated.

Kay pursued legal correspondence studies and worked alongside LeRoy at his accounting practice, showcasing her dedication and passion. A true entrepreneur, she opened up the store Make It Special Make It Washington in the late 1980’s, spreading joy and her love of the state. She ran seven different locations of her store during the twenty five years it was open. Each store was recreated as her business expanded. At one time, she had four different locations open; one main store and three satellite gift shops throughout Yakima. Upon retiring, she lavished love on family and friends. She enjoyed cruising, with her favorite destination on the Amalfi Coast. As a loyal member of the international sorority Beta Sigma Phi she achieved the highest degree of Torchbearer and made several life long friends. A member of the Rotary Club, her heart belonged to service and connection. Her kindness and generosity inspired countless lives, through her support of charities such as Voices for Children. In 2018 she embarked on another venture, A Hop in the Sack, leaving a legacy of invention and creativity.

Kay’s treasures included an extensive collection of mice, Pepsi Cola memorabilia, coffee mugs, snowmen, Highland cows, bells, hedgehogs, and Boleslawiec (Polish) pottery which she was extremely proud of. These things reflected her vibrant spirit. She loved Hallmark movies. She worked on puzzles and played Wordle and Wordscapes with Karissa everyday. She and Shellie completed word fill-in books. All of these things were her happy place, where she found solace and joy.

As a mother and grandmother Kay’s love knows no bounds; her gatherings were legendary, filled with laughter, love and cherished memories. She was the keeper of family history, diligently saving every piece of her past to share her story and legacy with generations to come. Kay leaves behind her two loving daughters Shellie Sauve (Thomas) and Karissa Thomas, 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, with one more on her way. Her family was her pillars of strength and joy.