Kathryn Bradford

Kathryn “Kay” Parkes Bradford-- cherished Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Matriarch and Friend-- passed away peacefully in her home at exactly 8pm Monday, April 4, surrounded by her loving family. She was 98.

Kay was born September 15, 1923 in Huntington, UT , the daughter of Harry & Ivy (Brockbank) Parkes. After High School, Kay moved to Salt Lake City and attended LDS Business College. Shortly after, she moved to Burbank, CA, where she met Sylvester Duncan “Dee” Bradford--a most dashing & debonair bachelor—at a Gold & Green Ball. Kay was 18 and Dee was 32, but it was “love at first sight”. They married Christmas Day, 1942, in El Paso, Texas and were later sealed in the Los Angeles Temple on September 26, 1956. They had 7 children—4 daughters and 3 sons.

Kay was an extraordinarily accomplished woman. She held many leadership roles throughout her life in both religious & secular pursuits. Kay was the recipient of numerous accolades & awards including the distinguished California-Utah Woman of the Year designation in 1994. She taught Seminary for 12 years and, at age 75, served an 18 month mission in London UK for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Kay spread joy & positivity wherever she went and was always dressed to the nines!

Kay’s was a LIFE OF SERVICE . She lived by the words: “Charity Never Faileth” and blessed the lives of all those fortunate enough to cross her path. She called frequently on rest homes to visit the lonely & infirm. She wrote thousands upon thousands of letters to her family & friends to offer cheer, love, acknowledgement & support.

Kay was anxiously engaged in many organizations such as the Primary, Relief Society, Elderquest, the PTA, Orem Friendship Center, League of Women Voters and T.O.P.S.
Kay faithfully attended Education Week at Brigham Young University.

Kay worked outside the home for many years to support her family. Her favorite job was as a Property Manager for Clark Financial Corporation where she won numerous trips and awards. While working for Clark Financial, Kay lost her husband, Dee, while cruising to Alaska on one of their trips. It happened to be her birthday..

Kay loved to entertain, throw parties and play games. She especially loved Bridge & Chinese Checkers and played till the time of her passing. Kay loved the holidays and decorated not only the house, but herself. Kay loved See’s candy &  throwing chocolate kisses.  Kay loved movies & musicals. She loved tea-sets & 2 dollar bills.

Kay loved the gospel of Jesus Christ and the scriptures. She loved serving in the temple and would often go 3 times a week.

Kay loved her country. She loved the National Parks—especially Yosemite, Sequoia & Yellowstone.

Kay loved Disneyland—“The Happiest Place on Earth”-- and took her children regularly.

Kay’s favorite admonitions were “God’s in charge” “You can never be too kind” “Something wonderful is going to happen to me today!” & “It really doesn’t matter”.

Her 7 children and 24 grandchildren were her greatest treasures. Spending precious time with her family was her greatest joy in life.

Kay spent 26 years in Southern California, 19 years in Montana, 3 years in Scottsdale AZ and 50 years in Utah.

There aren’t words to express how much Kay Bradford will be missed...an incredible life--a faithful servant—a joy to all who knew her.

Kay is survived by all 7 of her children: Dee Bradford, Hawaii; Patcee Powers (Tim), Provo; Kittie Tenney (Steve), Highland; David Bradford (Linda), Provo; Dorothy Bell, Saratoga Springs; Debbie Jolley (Rob), Draper; Robert Bradford, Orem; a sister, MaryLou Whipple, Hawaii; 24 Grandchildren, 58 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great, Great Grandchild.

• Reference: Ancestry Genealogy - SmartCopy: Nov 7 2018, 23:38:22 UTC