Kathleen "Kay" Pearl O'Keefe

Kathleen Pearl O'Keefe was born October 9, 1927, in her parent's home and on their wedding anniversary in Price, Wisconsin. She was the 5th daughter of Lehman Riley Fultz and Eleanor Wright. She was preceded in death by 6 of her 7 siblings: Doris Marie Persinger, David Leslie Fultz, Violet Elizabeth Kirk, Charles Edward Fultz, Verna Pauline Kartak, and Virgil Allen Fultz. Her brother Leroy William Fultz, who was born on her 4th birthday, is still living in Utah. Kay and her siblings deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years. She shared a special bond with her sister Verna whom she considered her best friend.

      Kay lived the first 9 years of her life in Wisconsin before her family moved to Washington where her father found work as a logger. She had many happy memories of her life in Wisconsin, but the winters were not one of them. Her favorite childhood memories were of times spent playing and working alongside her siblings. Her least favorite chores included chasing the chickens from the garden and scrubbing the wooden staircase at their home in Center, Washington every Saturday. She recalled enjoying learning and a few teachers who had a positive impact on her life. Although not a member of any particular church the Fultz family was God-fearing, and Eleanor frequently read to Lehman from the Bible.

      Kay was married 3 times and lived most of her years as a widow. First married to Steve Dodosh on March 4, 1950; he died in 1951. Then she was married to Melvin Lee Nichols on October 3, 1953; they divorced in 1962. And finally, after dating for 10 years, she married Gerald Frederick O'Keefe known as Jake on September 1, 1973; he died of cancer in 1982.

      Kay was blessed with 2 children, one daughter, Cheryll Elaine Viele, and 11 years later one son, Rocky Lee Nichols. She also had 5 stepchildren: Terry, Shannon, Daniel, Maureen, and Patrick O'Keefe. She was delighted to have 3 grandchildren, Mindy Nichols Hales, Stacy Nichols Tep, and Jamie Wright Nichols, and 10 step-grandchildren whom she adored. She also had 20 great grandchildren, along with 3 greatly, great grandchildren! Her greatest joy in life was her family and she was present for many of their special moments.

      Finding herself a widow in her mid-20s with a daughter to support, she took a job as a file clerk and then payroll clerk at General Electric. Then years later she received on-the-training to become a medical receptionist. She was employed for many years by Dr. Boyd Simmons and then Dr. Paul Ballard both of Seattle Washington. She was grateful to have had the stability of a reliable job with good pay that enabled her to support her family.

      Kay respected and maintained traditional values, and her faith was important to her. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for 64 years and during that time she held various volunteer callings, served as a Stake missionary, and enjoyed singing in the choir. Her faith in Jesus Christ was a constant source of hope and strength in her life. Known for her strong opinions, she was also known for being especially welcoming and kind to others.

      Kay passed away on December 29, 2022, at Lady and Sons Adult Family Home in Kent, Washington. The family is grateful to Franics Soriano for his loving service to Kay for the nearly 3 years she was in his care. Funeral services to be held Monday, January 9, 2023, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 102 North 132nd Street in Seattle and Kay will be laid to rest at Acacia Memorial Park in Seattle, Washington.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://bit.ly/rememberingKay2023 for the family.