Alta Gaye Ellertson Kay

Alta Gaye Ellertson Kay passed away in her beautiful home on July 9, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. Gaye was born on December 8, 1933 in Mona, Utah to Elgy Norman Ellertson and Zella Vest Ellertson. Mom loved growing up in Mona with all of her grandparents and many family members and friends. She was raised on the family farm and was the youngest of five children. Growing up she loved riding her horse and inherited her mother’s love of gardening. She married the love of her life, Wallace Rex Kay, on November 10, 1950. Together they raised six children.

Gaye was proud of her children. From a young age, Gaye and Wallace taught them the value of hard work, of always being kind and honest. They enjoyed working together on the family farm. All of their children chose to make their homes in Mona. Her greatest joy was her family. She created many family traditions- the favorites were Christmas Eve with Santa and camping for Easter and Labor Day.

Gaye also loved to serve. In addition to many church callings, she served as the first woman on the Mona Town Council. She was instrumental in spearheading a town beautification project that involved county and city government support.

We will always remember her love of gardening, antique collecting, bird watching, and traveling around the world. She was an amazing example to everyone she crossed paths with. We will all miss Grandma Gaye's fiery redheaded personality, that taught us to stand up for what we believe in.

She is survived by her six children, Terry (Cheryl) Kay, Richard (Lucinda) Kay, Tonya (Patrick) Painter, Mark (Jamie) Kay, Blair (JaNae) Kay, Drew (Charlotte) Kay, 32 grandchildren, 64 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sweetheart Wallace; her parents Elgy and Zella Ellertson; two sisters and two brothers, Lael Sorenson, James Ellertson, Madge Nash, and Kent Ellertson; two grandchildren Bobbie Arlin Stephenson and Abby Painter.

Gaye and Wallace’s greatest accomplishments were:
70 amazing years together,
840 months of happiness,
3,652 weeks of laughter,
25,567 days of understanding,
613,607 hours of love,
6 wonderful children,
32 terrific grandchildren,
64 precious great-grandchildren,
6 awesome great-great-grandchildren,
a lifetime of wonderful memories,
and one amazing couple.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. Rasmussen, Dr. Rosenbeck, and the wonderful Central Valley Hospice Nurses.

A family funeral service will be held Monday, July 18, 2022 at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in the Mona City Cemetery at 12:00 pm.