Kathlyn Morthland

Kathlyn "Kay" Morthland, 92, of Yakima passed away January 28, 2011 at Highgate Senior Living. Kay was born August 7, 1918 in Yakima, WA to Cecil and Lela (Sullivan) Young. When she was 1 year old, the family moved to Granger. She graduated from Granger High School in 1936. While in high school, Kay enjoyed and participated in sports and music, playing piano in a dance band. After high school, she moved to Yakima and attended Yakima Business College. She married Kenneth Morthland in June 1939. In 1943, Ken joined the Army and Kay traveled with him to Topeka, Kansas, where their son was born. After the war, the Morthlands returned to Yakima where their daughter was born and where they lived for the majority of their 63 years of marriage.

Kay was a homemaker when the kids were young. In 1962 she went to work for Liberty Savings and Loan, which later merged with Washington Mutual Savings Bank. She worked in the new accounts department, was a relief teller and insurance clerk. Kay retired from Washington Mutual in 1980. After retirement, she and Ken did some traveling and enjoyed spending time at their cabin on Chinook Pass. Kay attended the Presbyterian Church and did volunteer work as a member of the Women of the Moose, Yakima Chapter #521. She used her talents as a pianist in her volunteer role, providing music for many Chapter events. The family also enjoyed her playing and singing at special occasions and as often as she would consent to play.

Kay's caring nature and pleasant personality made her a pleasure to be around. She was her daughter's best friend and a mother who would listen without judgment and provide support to her children and husband without reservation. She is survived by her daughter, Kathy DeMoss (Larry) of Yakima; son, Kent Morthland (Karen) of Boise, ID; brother, Elton Young (Janice) of Yakima; grandsons, Sean Morthland and Ryan Morthland (Carrie) of Boise; granddaughters, Melissa Bollar (Eric) of Loveland, CO and Michelle Wasmund (Paul) of Boise; great grandson Austin Wasmund; nephews, Larry Young (Virginia) of Crescent City, CA and Darin Young (Lisa) of Litchfield Park, AZ. Survivors also include Kay's special second family of caregivers at Highgate Sr. Living, whose expert care enabled "KayKay" to live her last years with dignity and in comfort. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth, her parents and a brother Delbert.

Viewing will be 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, February 3, 2011 at Keith & Keith Ninth Avenue Chapel. Funeral Services with be held on February 4, 2011 at 2:00 pm at Keith & Keith Terrace Heights Chapel located at 2807 Terrace Heights Drive. Family suggests memorials be made to the Alzheimer's Association, c/o Highgate Senior Living, 5605 W. Chestnut, Yakima, WA 98908.