KATHLEEN ANN AXELSON

I miss you Kay.

Our friendship began 30+ years ago when you & I worked together at the Skagit Valley Herald. I have fond memories of the wonderful Nesheim family "adopting" me for many holiday celebrations when I couldn't be with my family who were far, far away. I got to see the beautiful romance you and Maynard shared blossom and I was honored to be a bridesmaid at your wedding. Even after I moved away, you visited me in California and we kept in touch through letters and...

There where so many times that I saw Kay at the fairs and thought she is always on the move and never stops. You are in our thoughts and prays. Now her and my dad are up there looking down on us to make sure we taking care of the cows right and just smiling and laughing together.

Maynard, May God hold your hand and heart during this difficult time. Please take time to rejoice and remember the many individual lives Kay touched and help mold. It is because of Kay and your guidance and wisdom in the registered Holstein breed that lead me to my adult life. Who would have known my first registered 4-H calf “Rania” from Firdell farms, which I purchased at the Lewis County sale in 1978, would have lead me to college in California and to marry a registered Holstein breeder...

Dear Maynard and Chris, The Smalleys have such great memories of Kay. She will be remembered for her enthusiasm for everything she took her mind to. Chad's first comment was about the 4H days and what a great leader she was. Of course the Holstein group would not have been the same without her. You are so blessed to have had her in your lives. Thanks for sharing her with so many of us. Yours, John, Cheryl and Chad.

Dear Maynard, I am so very sorry for your loss; the little I knew of Kay, she was really a "rock" and a very unique and wonderful person. I remember coming to your house on Fir Island as you were remodeling the "BIG" house - what a monumental labor of love! Bless you.

Wow, you are so lucky to have had Kay with you for the time you had. myself being a former dairy women, want to thank you for letting us have her also, she was a blessing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Judy Odermann, Dairy Woman Thurston County

Maynard,
Even though we've been away from Washington for 7+ years, we still fondly remember those wonderful times spent with you and Kay. She was a special friend to both of us and an inspiration to me. Sending our thoughts and prayers across the miles.
Love, Brian & Tami Behnke, Wisconsin

Maynard & Family;
Wow, I always enjoyed Kay at the fairs and dairy events I attended. I had no idea of her struggles with cancer, she certainly never let on that there was anything wrong. Always a bundle of energy and smiles! I was so proud of how she educated everyone on dairy issues from caring to calves and how important dairy farming was to the community. I am just so sorry, she will be missed but always remembered.

God bless,
Gloria Edwards, Oakvile WA

Maynard, my deepest condolences to you and your loved ones. May your love and trust in God provide you with strength at this most difficult time in life's journey. Peace be with you and yours Maynard.