Obituary-Mary Catherine ‘Kay’ Arnold

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obit---arnold-photoMary Catherine “Kay” Arnold was born to Florence Camfield Bussey and Elmer Bussey in Tabor, S.D., on May 12, 1928, the only girl among five siblings.

Kay graduated from Yankton High School in Yankton, S.D., in 1940, and started college there, as well. When her parents moved to Albuquerque, N.M., on account of her father’s health, she transferred to the University of New Mexico, where she graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in psychology in 1950.

While at the University of New Mexico, Kay met Claude Eugene “Red” Arnold, and on June 15, 1950, they were married. They had three sons. David was born in Albuquerque in 1951, and Dennis was born there in 1953. Brian was born in San Diego in 1960. Kay was a homemaker and mother, and also worked while Red finished his degree in mechanical engineering. She later worked as a secretary at the Sandia Base in Albuquerque. Red and Kay lived in Albuquerque from 1950 to 1959, and in 1959 they moved their family to San Diego, only to return to Albuquerque in 1961. In 1968, they moved to Saint Charles, Mo., and in 1990 they settled in Pagosa Springs. Shortly before her passing, Kay went to live with her son David in Lawson, Mo. Kay passed away there on April 13.

Kay was known for her award-winning quilts, many of which earned ribbons at the Archuleta County Fair. She was active in the Newcomer’s Club, both in Missouri and Colorado. Kay was kind and generous, and never hesitated to come to the assistance of friends in need. She was an energetic and devoted wife and mother. Kay was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Howard, Raymond and Warren; her husband Claude; and her son Dennis. She is survived by brother Louis of Fort Meyers, Fla.; son David of Lawson; and son Brian of Saint Charles.

Services will be held at the Pagosa Springs Funeral Home on Saturday, May 17, between 2-5 p.m.

All donations should go to the American Heart Association.