Kay Marie Root

Kay was born March 11th, 1941 in Culver City, CA to Roy and Mary Cripe. She graduated Venice High School in Venice, CA, followed by attending Santa Monica City College, in Santa Monica; CA. Kay married her husband Donald Root on December 5th, 1959. Kay and Don celebrated and shared 54 years and 6 months of marriage.

Kay worked in the Insurance and aerospace industries as a clerical assistant for the Rockwell Corporation and Safeco Insurance. Kay lived in California most of her life before coming to live in Oregon. Don and Kay lived in Oklahoma while Don served in the US Army.

Throughout her life, Kay appreciated many interests and hobbies. She enjoyed gardening, photography, and adored old movies. She spent time traveling to London, Paris, Hawaii, and Alaska and took a cruise through the British Isles. She also enjoyed traveling across country to visit family and friends; and local to Sun River and the Oregon coast.

Kay's claim to fame was that she gave birth to her daughter, Debbie, on Mother's Day, and to her son, Jeff, on Father's Day.

Kay will always be remembered for her big heart, her kindness, and happy nature. Her friends knew they could rely on Kay to help pets find loving homes. Kay and Don took in 6 cats that were in need of homes. She loved nature; she loved all of the mountains and trees here in Oregon. Fall was her favorite time of the year and she liked to see the trees change colors. She also enjoyed all wildlife; particularly the squirrels and the birds that came by to get a snack. Kay didn't even mind when the deer ate all her roses in the garden, she would say "they've got to eat too."

Kay is survived be her loving husband Donald, her daughter, Deborah Kay Rinker (Brian); son, Jeffrey Donald Root, and two grandsons, Kyle and Michael Rinker.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Tuesday, 2014 at Young's Funeral Home. Kay will be laid to rest at 10am ceremony at Willamette National Cemetery on July 9th. A celebration of life will follow at 11:30 AM on July 9th, 2014 at Rolling Hills Community Church located in Tualatin, Oregon.

The family encourages you to leave a message or share a story about Kay in the on line guest book. In lieu of flowers, you are encouraged to make a donation to the Portland Chapter of the American Heart Association, 4380 SW Macadam Ave. #480, Portland, OR 97239.

Arrangements entrusted to Young's Funeral Home, Tigard, OR.