Kay Arlene Fred passed away on August 25, 2020 with her daughter by her side.
Kay was born on July 17, 1936 in Coos Bay, Oregon to Jack and Mary “Bea” Jenkins. She was raised in Reno, Nevada along with her two sisters, Mona and Joanne. Kay lived in Reno until meeting and marrying Earl Fred. They returned to Earl’s home state of Montana where she enjoyed many activities such as dancing, camping, hunting, fishing and skiing. They were blessed with two children, Karen and David who they also raised in Montana. Kay and Earl were later divorced.
Kay worked for the Federal Aviation Administration for 20 years and upon retiring moved to Alaska to explore that frontier. Then it was on to Albuquerque for her next adventure. She eventually found her way back to Reno for a short time and then returned to Montana for her final years. She had many friends in all places.
Kay was preceded in death by her son, David, her parents and many family members. She is survived by her daughter, Karen (Troy Gary), her daughter-in-law, Ceseli, her ex-husband, Earl, her sisters, Mona Watts and Joanne (Dick) Bristol, numerous nieces and one nephew.
The family would like to thank Bee Hive Homes of Helena for her care. They provided loving care, companionship and a multitude of special moments, always with respect and dignity. As per Kay’s request, there will be a private family service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Kay’s name may be made to the Marysville Pioneers, 242 Grand Street, Marysville, MT 59640.
Rest in peace Mom.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Michelle Van Nice says
Karen,
I am so very sorry about your Mom’s passing. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Michelle Van Nice
Mike Griffith says
Karen, it deeply saddened me to discover your Mom’s passing. I am reflecting upon many fond memories of the four members of your nuclear family. David now has his devoted Mother back at his side, for their mutual love and devotion.
Charlene Porsild says
Karen: Clark and I are so sorry for your loss. You were there for your Mom every single day since she came back to Helena, despite your many other responsibilities.. Your love and care helped her through so much. Rest easy now, Kay.
Mary Phelps says
Dearest Karen…Charlie and I are so sorry to hear if your Moms passing. You were so good to her as you have been to all of your family.
Much Love
Charlie & Mike
Jim and Sally says
So sorry to hear about your mom. Nothing harder then that. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and the days ahead.
All the love 💕
Linda Paulsen says
Karen, I was so sorry to her of your mother’s passing. Hold her memories close to your heart. I’m keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Lance and Lynn Zanto says
Karen, you were so good to her. I’m sorry for your loss. Lynn and I have you and Troy in our prayers.
Ceseli Fred says
She is now with her parents and David. RIP Kay.
Susan and Rich Proul says
Karen, your strength amazes me. You took such good care of your mom and even if she might never Have told you, I’m sure she was so happy and proud that you were there for her. We are so very sorry for your loss but know she is finally at peace and reunited with your beloved brother. Sending you huge hugs and all our prayers.
Sandi Coyle Benson says
Karen: So sorry you are having to go through this. They are forever in hearts. May the days ahead bring you peace and understanding. “God Bless”
Jack Roche says
God Bless Karen,
Kay was a great woman. Your Mom kept many FAA Inspectors, to include myself, on the straight and narrow.
Though living in Reno, I worked a bit in Alaska. We enjoyed a few dinners in Anchorage. Kay showed me a mama moose and her little one wandering in her neighborhood eating fruit from trees. Alaska was a place Kay enjoyed.
I Loved your Mom. She was a caring person and, like you, I miss her. Your Mom may have passed, though that won’t erase my memories of her. Karen, a large part of your Mom now resides in your heart. Take care of her. Cherish her. …Marines cry…
John and Marcia Allen says
Karen we are saddened to see that your mother has passed. She and I had a lot of fun times and will always remember how beautiful she was.
Linda Grady says
All my thoughts and prayers to the family. I remember my parents Ed and Eileen Grady interacting with Earl and Kay.
Linda Grady
Rick O’Connell says
Karen. It saddens us to lose such a classy lady and friend. Her contagious smile always warmed your heart. Good thing she passed it on to you. Hugs and kisses.
Rick and Jan
John Styba says
36 years ago I started work with Kay in the newly formed Airport District Office (ADO) in Helena. Previously is was just a field office but was made into a full ADO with Jim Houghton as manager. I was there to replace Charlie as the State Engineer. Karen, your mom ran that office for many years and welcomed me, brand new to Montana. I’ll always remember her as elegant, and kind, and a bit reserved around this new guy who worked 10 years in the Great Lakes Regional Office. Kay kept that place as organized as possible (files were neatly stacked on tables before the age of computers). Kay seemed to be the “spirit of Montana” and adored her husband Earl – it was such a shock when she learned he was a human that broke her heart. Kay left soon after that and we missed her so much. 25 years later I retired and still live in the Helena area, and I’ll always remember her smiling face that was so welcoming so many years ago.
Tricia Orsello McCreary says
Karen, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful Mom. I hope the memories you shared can bring you some comfort. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Gloria Davis and Family says
Dear Karen and Family, we are so sorry to hear of your Mothers passing. Please take comfort in knowing she no longer suffers on this earth and has gone on to her heavenly home. Many were awaiting her arrival, David being first in line. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Nora Bruce says
Karen,
I want to express my sympathy for the loss of your Mother. She was one very special lady. I am sorry she has passed, but find comfort in knowing she is now at peace. I know how much she loved you and appreciated all your care. She was always so proud of you and David.
Kay was a dear friend of mine for over 45 years. I admired her very much, and will miss hearing her voice. We had many long conversations over the years.
She will be missed, but never forgotten. God Bless.
Annell Crowley Fillinger says
Karen, so very sorry for your loss. I too lost my Mom a number of years ago and I miss her every day. I remember your Mom as an elegant and lovely lady. May the Lord wrap his arms of comfort around you through this time.
Shirley Nordstrom McKnight says
I worked with your mother many years ago in Helena in the early years of my Federal career. I have never forgotten how professional and lovely a person she was to know and work with. So sorry for your loss.
Elaine Mueller-Cantu says
Karen,
I remember your mother as such a classy lady and what a great dancer too! We worked together for a few years in Helena. She was so beautiful, had an engaging smile and the biggest heart. I am so very sorry to hear of her passing and will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Terry Senecal says
Hey Karen – so sorry to hear about Kay – she was classy and sassy. Was thinking of her the other day and ran across this – Hugs to you – she will be missed.