Kathleen 'Kay' Upson Obituary (1935

Kathleen (Kay) Rosella Hess Upson, 83 years of age, from Yakima Washington, went to be with the Lord on May 18, 2019. She was surrounded with songs and prayers by her loving family as she took her final breath. Kathleen was a daughter, mother, wife, sister, grandmother and aunt who will be greatly missed. Kathleen was the third daughter born to Charlie and Bessie Hess in Yakima, Washington on July 7, 1935. Her siblings in order of age, Mary Lou, Florence, Betty and Jim. On October 17, 1954, Kay (Kathleen) married the love of her life, Jerry Dobert Upson. Together, they had 5 children. Jerry and Kay were both musicians and singers. If there was a guitar at hand, they were happy to perform a country song for whomever would listen. After Jerrys death in 2006, Kay continued to enjoy singing with family and friends and she eventually joined the Old Time Fiddlers group in Yakima. Kay was excited to put on her cowgirl outfit, play her guitar and stomp her foot as she sang. Kays ministry was to go with her music group to perform at the nursing homes. She loved bringing joy to the patients day through the music she played. Born and raised in the Yakima Valley and then traveling to several states where her husbands work took them, Kay worked as a nurses aide, waitress, and hotel manager. In her later years she worked at Matson Fruit in Selah. Kay was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. Kay also treasured her role as grandmother and great grandmother. Her family could feel her love and kindness when they were with her. She was always looking for ways to let them know how special they were to her. Even up to the very end, when she was in pain, she was still looking for ways to bless her family. She is survived by her sister, Betty Jean Anderson and her beloved children, Kathryn Gail Wood, married to Asher Wood, Geraldine Marie Loss, married to Ryan Loss, Gary Eugene Upson, Alan Lynn Upson, and Gloria Jane Frueh, married to Ken Frueh. She is also survived by her 16 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren and many beautiful nieces and nephews. Kay is preceded in death by husband, Jerry Dobert Upson, father, Charles William Hess, mother, Bessie Verle Johnston-Hess, sisters, Marion Lucille Barnes, Florence May Culbertson, brother, James Rodney Hess and her devoted sister-in-law, Sandy Hess. Kay is with her cowboy dressed in white in the great beyond with Jesus by her side. Family and Friends are invited to attend Kathleen Rosella Upsons Memorial Service at the Salvation Army Church (419 N 16th Avenue in Yakima, WA) at 1:00pm on Monday, May 27, 2019. There will be a meal downstairs following the service. Memorial Service Salvation Army Church Monday, May 27, 2019 1:00 PM 419 N 16th Avenue Yakima, Washington 98902