Kay (Blew) Downey

Kay Francis Downey, 90, of Corvallis, MT, passed away Monday, May 30, 2022.  She was born July 19, 1931 in Peoria, Illinois, to Lavern and Marjorie Blew. She married Aaron William Downey on July 30, 1950. 

Kay attended grade school through high school graduation in Peoria, as well as a year of business school at Bradley University. Her main interests in life, outside of her family, included music, sports, and reading. As a young woman, Kay took voice lessons and joined a girls singing trio in the fourth grade. The Victory Trio traveled Illinois, performing at live venues and on the radio. She continued her love of music by singing in and conducting church choirs, spanning 40+ years. 

In 1972, Kay and Aaron moved from Woodstock, Ill., to the ranch in Corvallis. They had a Grade B dairy for 15 years, as well as raising beef cattle and crops. Kay loved the ranch work, and loved working with Aaron. In 1999, they finished work on and moved into their new log home on the property, and were always happy to welcome family and friends for a big meal and a good visit.

Kay’s love of sports began when she played basketball and baseball in her youth. She played church volleyball and softball as an adult. She supported her children through their athletic careers (and Aaron, who coached at the same time), and followed her grandchildren through theirs. Kay was an avid, active supporter of the University of Montana Lady Griz basketball program, as well as football and men’s basketball. There were many nights that Aaron and Kay would roar into Jeff and Chris’s driveway to pick up additional passengers for a game, BLT sandwiches wrapped in paper towels, dust flying and horn honking.  

Kay was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Hamilton for many years and was a valued member of the Stephen Ministry. She was ordained Sister Catherine Mary Francis in the Brothers and Sisters of Charity domestic expression. Kay was a kind and caring source of support for those around her, her entire life.  

Kay is survived by her three children and their partners—Jeff (Chris), Jerry (Diane Olhoeft), and Jennifer (Steve Bennyhoff), two grandchildren, Jessica and Michael (Alicia), and two great-grandchildren, Evelyn and William.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her honor at the Bitterroot Humane Association or Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. 

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