Kelli Sue Kay, born on July 6, 1960, in Lawrence, Kansas, to Robert and Sharon DeMate, passed away on June 4, 2024, in Bellingham, Washington. Kelli was a beloved mother, grandmother and friend.

Kelli was the best mom in the world, always attending her children’s sports games and school activities, and ensuring there was always a home-cooked meal for dinner. Kelli was there for every homework assignment, every game her granddaughter Gwenn wanted to play, and every deep, joyous laugh, which always left us to the point where we couldn’t breathe! She had a special knack for teaching fun facts and new things, and her love for her flowers and garden was evident to all who knew her.

Kelli was so happy to move to Bellingham, Washington, and began the next chapter of her life as a master gardener. She not only tended to her own garden but also contributed to the community, sharing her knowledge and passion for horticulture. Her friends and the Bellingham community will remember her active presence and the joy she brought to their lives.

She loved attending Tom Petty concerts and rocking out, spending time with her best friend Alma and Aunt Cheryl, and talking with her daughter, who was also one of her best friends. She cherished watching her daughter graduate college, running her own business, and traveling to see nature’s wonders.

Kelli was so proud of her son Corbin who received a full-ride scholarship to play football at Rocky Mountain College. She was there for his graduation from college, the birth of her first grandchild and the marriage of Corbin and Alyssa. She was so proud of how far he came and how smart he was.

She loved her family deeply and was immensely proud of her children, Katie Kay and Corbin Kay, and her grandchild Gwenn.

Kelli is survived by her son, Corbin (Alyssa) Kay, her daughter Katie Kay (Jasper Carabajal), her granddaughter Gwen, her brothers Joe DeMate and Rob DeMate, her Aunt Cheryl Barber, her stepmother Connie DeMate, nieces Nikki DeMate, Amila DeMate, and her nephew Antonio DeMate.

She was predeceased by her parents, Robert Donald DeMate and Sharon DeMate.

Kelli’s memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.