Kay Ellen Cook

Throughout her life, Kay excelled in every endeavor. She graduated as Valedictorian from Goldendale High School and continued her education at Washington State University. While there, she met her husband, Terry, and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, as well as a member of the WSU Rally Squad. She and Terry were married in June 1963, graduated in 1964, and moved back to Yakima. Kay started her career in teaching in the Selah School District, and took a short hiatus in 1966 to teach 9th grade science to U.S. servicemen while living in Germany, where she gave birth to her first son, Paul.

After returning to Yakima, Kay taught in the West Valley School District and gave birth to her second son, Joseph. Her passion for teaching was evident throughout her 35-year career. She earned a Master’s in Education from Central Washington University and spent a summer was spent at Oxford University in England studying the English elementary school system, further expanding her knowledge and experience in the field of education. After her retirement, Kay volunteered as a private tutor and provided perspective and life lessons to student teachers enrolled at Heritage College.

Kay was an active member of the Alpha Delta Kappa professional sorority and spent much of her time with friends and family at the Yakima Country Club, where she helped manage the junior golf program for several years. Whether golfing with friends, quilting, knitting, or sewing, she always had a smile on her face and gave her time freely.

Kay is survived by her husband of 50 years, Terry, sister Sally (Mark), son Paul (Noelle), son Joseph (Terri), five grandchildren (Edgerton, Samantha, Patrick, Abby, and Natalie), and Dubya (cat and constant companion).

With deepest gratitude we extend thanks for the many kind acts of sympathy and understanding expressed by thoughtful friends and neighbors. Those kindnesses mean so much to us. A special thank you goes out to Kay’s book club members, her bridge group, and Dr. Debra Brown.

A memorial celebrating Kay’s life will be held at the Yakima Country Club on Monday, March 24th from 1-3PM.

To share a memory of Kay, visit www.keithandkeith.com.