Kay Stafford-Larsen, age 81, passed away Saturday, November 20, 2004 at her home in Concrete with her family by her side. She was born on May 27, 1923 in Franklin, North Carolina, to Margaret Henderson Martin, Kay came to Washington as a child and spent her early years in Sumas. Kay graduated from Nooksack High School. Kay married Glen ‘Pee Wee’ Stafford on January 2, 1941, after which the couple moved to Concrete, where they lived for the rest of their lives. Glen died in a construction accident in October 1962. In the 1950’s, Kay was the ‘cafeteria lady’ for the Concrete School District. She also worked at the Clinker Club in Concrete, before taking a position at Albert’s Serve-U, where she worked until her retirement. She married Herb Larsen on November 30, 1989. The couple enjoyed many years together, traveling, gardening, and sharing the joys of her children and grandchildren. She loved flowers, birds, books, needlework, crossword puzzles and her many pets, including a goose she had for more than 25 years. Kay, known as ‘Nana’ to many of us, will always be remembered as a sweet, quiet lady who cared deeply about her family. Never one to complain, she smiled to the very end, and delighted us with her unfailing sense of humor. Her love and kindness will be greatly missed. She is survived by her husband, Herb, a resident of Birchview Memory Care in Sedro-Woolley, and by four children: a son and daughter-in-law. One son, Robert Stafford and his wife Judy of Concrete; and three daughters and their husbands, Merrilyn Williams and her husband Dave of Concrete; Barbara Wilson and her husband John of Raymond; Valerie Stafford and Fred West of Anacortes. She also leaves nine grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Marge Martin; her husband, Glen Stafford; and a great-granddaughter, Cassandra Boerner. Special thanks to Skagit Hospice for helping make Kay’s final journey a peaceful one. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, November 23 at 11:00 a.m. at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley, Pastor Bruce Martin of Concrete Assembly of God will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Concrete Heritage Museum, 7380 Thompson Avenue, Concrete, WA 98237 or the United General Hospital Foundation, 2000 Hospital Drive, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284. Services and arrangements under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Share your memories of Kay and sign the online guest register at lemleychapel.com