Kay Frances Loyd Keyser, born September 7, 1940 in Stonewall, Oklahoma passed away quietly on August 4, 2018 in Woodburn, Oregon. She delighted in the company of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren on her last day, as she had all her adult life.
Growing up with her three brothers James Frankfother, Don Frankfother and Bert Loyd, Kay spent most of her childhood in the Hood River Valley.
Kay married her husband of 62 years, William Henry Keyser, in 1956. Together they moved to La Grande, Oregon starting a family which included son Boyd and daughters Cynthia and Kelly.
Kay and family would make Eastern Oregon their home for most of their lives with stops in
Milton Freewater, The Dalles and Walla Walla. Later in life, Kay and Bill would become "snowbirds", wintering at their adorable home on the golf course in Palm Springs, California.
Throughout her life, Kay was known for her amazing ability to create a "picture book" interior to her many homes. She enjoyed reading, watching old movies and photography – which became a hobby turned business for her. She authored a children's book entitled "I Told you" which was illustrated by Bill. She was as an avid sports fan who loved her Oregon Ducks, Duke Blue Devils and Kansas City Chiefs. Though not a fanatical golfer, she was proud of her "hole in one" on her home course in Palm Springs.
During her life, Kay had many jobs including medical office manager, school secretary, lab technician and realtor. She assisted Bill when he served as Director of the Chamber of Commerce in Milton-Freewater, helping to revitalize the "Muddy Frogwater Festival". Though a mid-life stroke temporarily took the wind out of her sails, she recovered to find joy in her growing extended family. Summer vacations with all the grandkids at Wallowa Lake provided some of her fondest memories.
Kay was preceded in death by her husband Bill, father Clyde Lee Loyd, mother Kathrin Thompson Loyd, and brother Donald Loyd.
She is survived by son Boyd Keyser, daughters Cynthia Babcock and Kelly Martinez, as well as grandchildren Ryan Keyser, Robert Keyser, Kathryn Keyser, Levon Rector, Sammie Rector, Karsten Lange and Karly Lange Gatchet and great grandchildren Carter Gatchet , Winston Keyser and Hazel Keyser. She is also survived by her brothers James Frankfother and Bert Loyd and extended members of the Loyd family.
Per her request, Kay's ashes will be scattered in the Columbia River at a time as yet to be determined. More information on Kay's life and an opportunity to post your own remembrance can be found at www.cornwellcolonial.com .