Kay Tompkins

Kay Tompkins passed away on October 3, 2017 from pancreatic cancer. She passed at home with family. She is survived by Jon, her husband of 55 years, a son Brian Tompkins, a daughter Denise Hakala and four grandkids, Katie Hakala Osborne (Corvallis, OR), Jonathan Hakala, Victoria Tompkins, and Timothy Hakala. With exception of Katie, all of Kays family lives in Bend. She was diagnosed with Cerebellar Ataxia almost ten years ago and fought hard to overcome the effects of that neurological disease on her ability to walk, speak, and write. When she was diagnosed with cancer in early August she set a goal of attending granddaughter, Katies, wedding on September 3rd. She succeeded in that and then began her final decline. Kay was born in Maywood, CA in January 1940. She was the only child of Carroll "Red" and E. Jewel Russell. She moved to Yakima, WA when she was three and lived there until she left home to attend the University of Oregon. After college she became a stewardess for United Airlines living in Seattle. She and Jon were married in 1962 in Seattle and immediately moved to Palo Alto. The family lived in Germany for three years returning to Los Altos in 1973. In 1979 the family moved to Bend, buying a ranch in Tumalo. They returned to the Bay Area in 1985 living there until 2000 when they returned full time to Bend. Until Ataxia robbed her of mobility, Kay enjoyed skiing, cycling, and walking, and had the pleasure of doing all of those in Europe and the US. Her children were active ski racers when they were young and Kay loved going to their races, helping out and watching them compete. She was an incredible giving person. She never wanted the spotlight on herself. She loved helping in anyway she could. She was known for delivering very creative Christmas cards, popcorn balls, or banana bread around the holidays. Over the years she was involved in many of her childrens activities, worked as a docent at The High Desert Museum, helped put on several of the early "Meal of the Year" fund raisers at COCC, and helped make blankets at Heart Warmers. She also spent many years as a consultant for Creative Memories helping others organize and protect their photographic memories. Kay loved to give parties. Her creativity shined when she planned theme parties in the early 80s while she lived on the ranch in Tumalo. Many talk to this day about the "Bhagwan" Party. She had very strong faith and thoroughly enjoyed attending bible study at West Side Church. She was a dedicated prayer warrior and tried to support everyone she could with prayer. Kay was the center of her family and everyone looked to her for approval and/or guidance. Her thoughtfulness and generosity will be greatly missed by everyone. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Partners In Care, Bend, OR.

Tributes

Kay Tompkins

October 3, 2017