KATHRYN GAY

Kathryn “Kathy” Ann Gay, of Braham, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 10, 2025, surrounded by family at the Estates of Rush City.  She was 67 years old.

Kathy was born in Braham on January 11, 1958, to Dillon and Shirley (Studt) Kline.  Kathy was an only child, but was close to her cousins, especially her cousin Chris whom she viewed as a sister.  At an early age, she discovered her love of animals, particularly her dogs and horses, which were a passion of hers throughout her lifetime.

Kathy was baptized and confirmed at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in Braham and was a lifelong member.  She attended elementary and high school in Braham and graduated in 1976.  She went to St. Cloud State for one year but left in the spring of 1977.

Kathy officially met her future husband Raymond Scott Gay at the bar where he worked as a bouncer in Pine City when he wouldn't let her in to dance since she wasn't of age.  Somehow, in spite of their original meeting, they started dating in February of 1977 and were married later that fall on November 26th.

After they were married, Kathy and Scott lived in the Twin Cities for a short time but moved to Cambridge in 1978.  In 1980 they moved into the house they'd built on the farm in Braham where they farmed with Kathy's parents until 1994.  In 1999 they sold their little house in the woods and moved into the farmhouse where they continued to reside and farm. 

During this time, they welcomed their two daughters: Heather in March of 1980 and Raell in June of 1981.  Until they were both in school, Kathy stayed home with her girls.  She was a devoted mom and talented seamstress and during this period she spent much of her time making her girls clothes and toys.  Kathy's love of sewing was one she had her entire life, and she continued to enjoy making clothes and gifts for friends and family until her health prevented her from doing so.

Throughout her lifetime, Kathy worked at several places while Scott farmed.  Starting in high school, she worked at the Cambridge State Hospital for almost 10 years off and on.  She also worked a number of years in retail sales and management positions at the Flashy Stash, Bugle Boy, G.H. Bass, and Ace Tack.  She took an immense amount of pride and pleasure in being able to help someone choose an outfit to look their best.  Kathy finished out her working career in part-time roles at Southview Elementary in Braham both in the library and as a paraprofessional aide.  These were roles that she especially loved as she enjoyed working with children.

Kathy was known for her outgoing personality and ability to talk to anyone.  She loved to play cards, dance, ride horses, sew, thrift shop and above all spend time with her husband, girls and grandchildren while sitting on the porch looking out over the farm.  She will be dearly missed.

The family would like to extend special thanks to The Estates of Rush City, St. Croix Hospice and the Women of St. Stephen's for their care and support.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dillon and Shirley Kline. 

Kathy is survived by her devoted husband Raymond Scott, daughters, Heather (Patrick) O'Connor and Raell Richardson; grandchildren, Isabella (Deven) Engstrom, Josephine "AJ" Richardson, Raymond Richardson and Danny Richardson; great granddaughter Paisley Mae Engstrom; aunt Elaine Studt; sisters and brothers in-law, Peggy Zavadil (Rodney Hahn), Debbie (John) McKeown, Neal (Diana) Gay, and David (Colleen) Gay; special cousins, Marion Larson and Chris Thielen; as well as many other relatives and friends.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at the Braham Event Center.

Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service at the Event Center.

Interment will be in the Royalton Memorial Cemetery near Braham.

A Luncheon will follow the services.

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