JAY, Kaye

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 10/10/2014 Kaye Crockett Jay Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Kaye Madelyn Crockett entered God’s Heavenly Kingdom Oct. 2, 2014. She was born Nov. 17, 1941, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Tucson to Lewis Nick and Mildred Crockett. She was their seventh child. Kaye Jay went on to graduate from Sunnyside High School in 1960. She was active in numerous activities: tumbling, basketball, softball, archery, soccer and 4-H. The Jay family set roots in multiple Arizona cities, where Kaye always became a pillar of the community in Christian fellowship and garnishing treasured relationships. Her magnitude is spread throughout this world but her living was spent in Tucson, Nogales, Sierra Vista, Show Low and Flagstaff. She had a career at Northern Arizona University and University of Arizona. She retired from UofA as a biology course administrator in 2007. Kaye loved working with students and professors. Her endless encouragement and big smile flowed to everyone. Kaye was one heck of a fisherwoman. Upon her retirement, she and her husband took a six-month vacation to Alaska in their fifth wheel. They fell in love with Alaska, especially Homer. One of her favorite topics of conversation, other than her grandchildren, was to recant fishing tales, bear encounters and the sites of Glacier Bay. Kaye is survived by her husband, Gary, of 50 years; daughter Kristina Jay-Neuman (Michael); son Gregory (Crystal) Jay; and her grandchildren, Brooklynn, 8, Bo, 6, and Barrett, 2 months. In addition, she is survived by brothers, cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family. Everyone knew her as Momma Kaye. Kaye loved her life and it was a true testimony. She gracefully pursued her love for Jesus Christ and taught his principles. Kaye’s main purpose in life was to be a vessel and let His light shine through her, which gifted her as a Stephen Minister and Walk to Emmaus participant/leader. Even as the last three years of her life were spent battling ovarian cancer, her light never dimmed and her love never wavered. Kudos to the great care she received at Arizona Oncology. She had a lasting impact upon people with her insurmountable love, infectious smile and contagious laugh. She saw only good in people, never judged and offered up kindness and hope. She fought the good fight and she WON the final race. She will be remembered will be missed. She will be loved. There are two “celebration of life” services honoring Kaye: Saturday, Oct. 18, at 2 p.m. at Christ Church United Methodist in Tucson and at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at White Mountain United Methodist Church in Show Low. Receptions to follow at both services. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be given in Kaye’s memory to: Arizona Chapter of Walk to Emmaus, Christ Church United Methodist Stephen Ministry and the American Cancer Society. Bring Funeral Homes handled arrangements.