Kmberly- Joye Golden MacKay, passed away peacefully to our Heavenly Father in her home at 10:48pm on April 1 2014 comforted by her husband and four sons at her side. Kim fought a 13 month hard battle with non-smoking lung cancer. She was 38 years old.
Born November 30, 1975 in San Clemente, California to Barry and Donna Bender. Kim lived in San Clemente until age two when her family moved to Houston, Texas where she lived until age five. Her family moved to Vista, CA and she grew up a California girl. Kim enjoyed the beach and the warm days with the cool nights. Kim enjoyed family boating trips to various lakes, snow skiing trips to Tahoe and Utah, and trips to Florida to visit grandparents. As a teenager her family built a cabin at Panguitch Lake, UT where she enjoyed weekends and holidays with her family and friends. As a young girl Kim enjoyed her friends in the close neighborhood she lived in. Kim enjoyed her days swimming in her pool, playing with her friends in their orange grove and most of all she jumped on her trampoline as much as she could. Her pediatrician once told her mother that Kim had the strongest legs he’d ever seen on a girl that age.
As a teenager growing up in California, Kim gained a love for running on the beach. Between her sophomore and junior year of high school Kim’s family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada where Kim attended Bonanza High school. As a way of meeting new friends she joined the high school cross country running team. Kim made many new friends in her new school and developed a lifelong love of running. Kim enjoyed music her whole life she would go to concerts for different bands or musicians with her friends. She was baptized at eight years old into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Always an active member in her church she participated in Young Women’s and Seminary for the youth. Kim graduated high school at age seventeen and went on to college at UNLV.
While attending UNLV she was studying to become a civil engineer. In November of 1994 she was set up on a blind date which turned out to be her future husband, Eric MacKay. It did not take long for them to fall in love. They were engaged February 3, 1995, and after a short engagement, Kim and Eric were married and sealed for time and all eternity in the Las Vegas, NV LDS temple on June 9, 1995. They lived in Las Vegas until 2010 when they moved and made Helena, MT their home.
Kimberly is the mother of four sons who are the love of her life. Garrett 16, Ethan 14, Wyatt 9, and Carson 7. Kim loved every minute with her boys and had a very close relationship with each of them. She always supported them in each of their activities and served as a cubscout leader. While watching the 2000 Summer Olympics, she decided she wanted to try running a marathon. In 2001 Kim ran in the Big Sur, California marathon and she was hooked. With some coaxing and sweet talking she talked her husband Eric into doing the Las Vegas marathon. Eric always said she had a donut tied to her waste and he was just following it when they did the marathon.
Kim could be seen in the early morning hours out running or when her boys were younger you would see her pushing a double wide jogging stroller with her boys in the late evenings to beat the Las Vegas heat. Kim ran 13 marathons and 15 half marathons along with many 5K & 10K races. In 2008 Kim did the Utah grand slam with her friend Tani Prince, which is 5 marathons in a year in the state. Kim did the 2012 Top of Utah marathon four months before she was diagnosis with stage IV non-smoking lung cancer. Kim always had a positive attitude about everything in life. She motivated many friends and helped them to complete marathons. Kim loved outdoor activities including camping, hiking and skiing and made sure she and Eric taught their boys to ski.
Kim is survived by her husband, Eric, her four sons, Garrett, Ethan, Wyatt and Carson, her parents, Barry and Donna Bender, her sister, Kristin Smoot (Harlow), three brothers, Trevor (Sally), Dan, (Tina) and Barry Jr. (Mary). Father and Mother-in-law, Martin and Beverly MacKay and numerous nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to Dr. Thomas Weiner and the wonderful staff at the oncology center of St. Peters. Also the passionate tender care from the St. Peters Hospice staff.
Kimberly will be remembered for her bright smile that would light up a room and brighten your day!
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 7, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 8th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, 1260 Otter Road. Funeral Services begin at 11:00 a.m. following the visitation. Burial will be at Forestvale Cemetery immediately following the funeral service. A reception will be held in the social hall at the church following the burial. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Kimberly Joye.
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Monday April 7, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Visitation
9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday April 8, 2014
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
1260 Otter Rd
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday April 8, 2014
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
1260 Otter Rd
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Immediately following the funeral service
Tuesday April 8, 2014
Forestvale Cemetery
490 Forestvale
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the burial
Tuesday April 8, 2014
Back at the Church
1260 Otter Rd
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Family and Friends Service
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Monday April 7, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Visitation
9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday April 8, 2014
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
1260 Otter Rd
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday April 8, 2014
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
1260 Otter Rd
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Immediately following the funeral service
Tuesday April 8, 2014
Forestvale Cemetery
490 Forestvale
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the burial
Tuesday April 8, 2014
Back at the Church
1260 Otter Rd
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
John Hawkins says
Eric and children,
Our family wishes to extend our deepest sympathies for all of you. We were all saddened to hear. She was a beautiful woman and very supportive of all of you. Words cannot describe the loss, but our prayers and condolences are with you all.
Sincerely,
John, Renee, Cody & Keeley Hawkins
Scott & Geraldine Colvin says
Eric Mackay & Family
We are saddened by your loss. May Heavenly Father comfort you and bless you with a special comfort and peace at this time.
Scott, Geri, & Mackenzie Colvin
Troy & Jeanette McArthur says
Eric and family,
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. We enjoyed time together when you lived in Las Vegas. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead. We are thinking of you all.
Saundra Pollock says
Dear Eric and Boys,
So sorry for your loss! She is a beautiful woman and I know that she loves you all. Was good to see you at Christmas time! God bless and comfort you during this difficult time!
Saundra
John & Carola Stephenson says
Dear Eric and Boys,
We are very saddened with your loss. You have a very special family, great parents, and very special sons. Our prayers are with all of you. Kim was a amazing person from what we saw, special wife, great Mom, special friend to those around her. When you see her again it will be joyous. Our love to you and yours boys.
John & Carola Stephenson
The Hanchetts says
Bro. MacKay and sons,
We are so fortunate to have met Kim in our old ward. As you know she was a wonderful example to all and will be greatly missed. She touched so many lives with her smile and energy.
Sending prayers your way,
Emmitt & Adrienne
Dear Eric and Boys says
I am so blessed to have known Kim for so long. I can remember almost 16 years when she was my visiting teacher in the Palomino Ward. Kim touched everyone around her because she was an amazing woman. I know she with her Heavenly Father waiting to be united with all you. You are in prayers that you find comfort in the plan of salvation.
The Muprhy’s
Jimmy, Cyndi, Curtis and Shane
Cassy Smoot Dickerson says
I am so sorry for your loss. I pray your family will be able to find peace and comfort during the days ahead. I always liked Kimberly and will remember her happy countenance and wonderful smile. Her life and influence has touched many and will not be forgotten.
Daniel and Donna Bingham says
There are simply no words to express our deepest sympathy at this difficult time. Please remember that there are many near you who love you and your family. You have been and will continue to be in our prayers. May you find comfort in each other and in God’s perfect plan for his children. He will send Angels round about you in your times of need.
President and Sister Bingham
Steve and Julie Shaw says
Dear Eric and Boys,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this time. There are so many of us that were blessed to know Kim and the kindness she showed for all those around her. She was an amazing mother, friend, and role model. She will always have a place in our hearts.
Steve and Julie Shaw
Kathy Hansen says
Eric and family, Martin and Beverly , So saddened to see this news. May you all feel our Heavenly Fathers arms wrapped around you at this time. May you be comforted with the knowledge of eternal families. My love and sympathy to you all. Kathy
Jan Walker says
Eric, Martin, Beverly and family. I am so sorry to hear about this sadness in your family. I have so many happy memories of you all. May the Lord bless and comfort you and give you strength at this time and always. Jan
Christie Howard says
Dear Eric and boys,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers, We will all miss Kim’s bright eyes and bright, warm smile and beautiful loving heart. Thankful for our Heavenly Fathers plan for Eternal Famlies so we may see her eyes, smile and feel her loving heart again.
Christie Howard
Ben & Amber Anderson & Family says
Eric & Family:
You and your boys are in our thoughts and hearts. We are sorry for your loss. May you have strength during this time. You and your family will be in our prayers.
Denise Dewey says
Dear Eric and Family
Kim has taught us all how to FIGHT LIKE A WOMAN with Dignity, Grace and Love. She has also taught us how to endure to the end and endure WELL to the end You are all in our thoughts and prayers and have our Love. Love The Dewey Family
Roger and Patty Crane says
Eric and Sons,
We are lucky to get to know you and to be Kim’s visiting teacher here in Las Vegas. Prayers and thoughts be with you, may the spirit of comfort be with you and your family.
Love
Crane family
Jake & Joslyn Cook says
Dear Eric & Family:
We are so sorry for your loss. Kim was such an amazing, kind, uplifiting, and loving person. Kim always made me smile whenever we talked, it was impossible to be in a bad mood when Kim was around. Her smile was contagious. We pray that you and your family will feel the Lord’s love and comfort during this difficult time.
Love,
Joslyn (& Jake) Cook & family
Elise Jenkins Karley says
Eric and boys,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You have always had such a special place in my heart from so many years ago. I truly love the MacKay family and want you to know how sorry I am for you and your boys. She seemed like such a beautiful person and had such a zest and love for life. I know you and the boys will carry her spirit forward and always keep her memory alive.
With much love,
Elise Jenkins Karley
Shellye Andrus says
Dear Eric and family,
Just as God knows the name of each star(Psalms 147:4) he knows what we are going through and comforts us during difficult times such as these.(James 4:8) He will soon “swallow death forever”(Isaiah 25:8) and “those in memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.” (John 5:28,29) Jehovah God promises to resurrect or bring our loved ones back to life here on earth. God is all powerful and “cannot lie”(Titus 1:2) He will do all that he promises and we will be able to enjoy all his blessings. You may learn more at jw.org, may knowing more about his loving kindness help you during this difficult time. Shellye and Darren Andrus.
Gina Poll Steverson says
To all of Kim’s family, I never had the pleasure to know Eric and her sons. Kim and I lost contact years ago after the Bender family relocated to Vegas. I was a childhood friend and have many fond memories of our friendship and our time together in Vista. Yes, the pool, the tramp, I never could do the fancy tricks she was capable of, the Orange Grove and learning to play clarinet amongst the trees, wrapping our fingers with bandaids while we built calluses of toughness and growing up together in the church brought an immediate connection. My heart is heavy to learn of her passing. Kim was a fun-loving, beautiful person. I am inspired by her story of strength and perserverance, not just during her battle with cancer, but in her years of dedication to her running, her husband and her boys. My love goes to each and every one of Kim’s family. I pray that you will feel the comfort of our Heavenly Father and Savior as they carry you during this difficult time and in the years to come. Kim’s spirit will remain ever present among you. ♡♡ All my love, Gina
Don Skillman says
Eric,
It was such a pleasure to know you and Kim. She was a wonderful human being, so obviously full of life and so thoroughly engaged in the world around her. Her dignity, gritty resolve, and fighting humor were nothing short of outright inspirational. She was unmatched in her degree of instant likeability. Kim always had something nice to say, and it was always so good to see her. I grieve with you and your family. My life is richer because I got to know Kim.
Arnie says
I had the pleasure of working with Kim in Las Vegas. She was a good kid and always had a smile on her face. My sincere condolences to her family. Mere words, but meant from the heart.
Kevin Burton says
Dear Eric and Boys,
Are hearts go out to you all and your extended family. Please know that you all continue to be in our thoughts and prayers! You are a remarkable family and Kim is a remarkable woman. Her life and example have touched our lives and we are the better for having gotten to know you all during our time in Helena!
May the Lord continue to bless and comfort you and may you feel the eternal peace through the infinite blessings and hope of the Atonement and through the Comforter. Thank you all for your example and friendship.
Kevin, Jenny, Luke, Levi, Parker and Sadie Burton
Sara Hulbert says
To Kim’s family,
I am one of Kim’s childhood friends Sara . We both grew up in Vista. We rode the same bus, and when she would get on I’d always think hope she sits by me . (She would !!!),we’d talk and share things. I remember going to her house after school , Swimming laughing and just being two sweet blondes.To all Kim’s family may a God’ s peace that passes all understanding be with you.Kim was a beautiful person. My deepest condolences. Sara Hulbert- Hartung