Kay went dancing for the last time with Ken this morning. We’re sure they’re laughing.
Kay Beltz (McKenzie) was born in Missoula on December 10, 1937. The war came and they lived in Long Beach CA where her dad, Kenny worked in the shipyards. The family moved back to Sheridan WY and then eventually back to Broadus, MT. In 1942, Kay was joined by her brother Barry.
Kay attended and graduated in Broadus, she was a cheerleader and was in the band. In high school she met her high school sweetheart Kenneth Beltz, and they were married March 1, 1955. Their first child, Vicki was born that fall.
The family lived in Broadus until in 1960, Ken was offered a job with Bestway Lumber in Glasgow. Their son Michael arrived in the fall of that year and their second daughter; Lesley arrived four years later. Mom had a love affair with Ft. Peck lake. We had a cabin, and she spent many hot days sunbathing on the dock. We lived in Glascow until 1968. Mom always said the only thing she regretted leaving in Glasgow was that cabin.
We moved on to Bozeman. Dad became the manager at United Building Center and mom went to work at the hospital. Later she worked at Mountain Bell. But… then… she got the job of a lifetime…. Working for Montana State University in the Bobcat Booster office. She loved getting ready for the Bobcat Classic Golf Tournament every summer. She got to work with great Bobcat coaches and players. She met Jan Stenerud.
When Dad retired from UBC the next chapter began. In 1992 they came back to the ranch at Boyes and raised sheep and ran cattle.
Mom raised three children, three grandchildren, three great grandchildren, many humorous cats, dogs and a couple of horses. She always had a great garden, beautiful flowers and a yard perfect for cornhole games and crochet matches. Her yard was admired far and wide.
She was predeceased by her husband Ken, her parents – Ken McKenzie and Baye Stabio, and her son Mike.
She is survived by her daughters Vicki Nicoll (Nick), Lesley Fyfe (Richard) of Lafayette CO, grandchildren Amie Strackbein, Maria Beltz, Tess Beltz, Andrew Nicoll, Hayley Nicoll (Brian), stepson Ian Nicoll, and three great grandchildren, and a very special nephew, Steve Earling (Tina).
No services are planned at this time by Kay’s request.
And for those of you that were there for that infamous card game – yes, the chair did move and nobody threw a wild card!
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Ginger says
Tiny in stature, but tough as nails! I’ll miss you, Kay. Sincere condolences to the family.
Tammy Popp Schoenbeck says
Oh so sorry such a sweet lady!!
Barb Mitchell says
Oh no! We are so sorry to hear this! We will miss you coming into the library.
Betty Collins says
Prayers and thoughts are with all of Kay’s family at this time of loss. I have always known Kay’ and admired her for years. She was a beautiful person. Whenever we met we always had a good visit. Keep the memories close to your hearts always. Heaven has gained another angel. God Bless you all.
Barbara (Beltz) Erling says
Kay was my sister in law. She was such an incredible lady. Never complained but would handle things so quickly and gracefully. She loved her family dearly and would do anything for them. She handled so many things so well since Ken passed away just before covid. She was a wonderful cook and always had food on hand. . We talked a lot on the phone and we solved so many of the worlds problems with common sense. Too bad the world didn’t listen. She and Ken were such common sense people. More people need to be like them. Kay loved to read–she especially loved Montana history. I will miss Kay forever.
Jackie and Joe Schneidt says
R.I.P. KAY
ALWAYS A GIGGLE AND A SMILE.
A FABULOUS COOK,
A caring grandmother ❤️
Will miss you.
June says
What a GREAT Grandma!! She was the Best!!
Colleen Fekete says
This is a beautiful tribute to my last parent role model from my youth. I had so much respect for her and how she handled everything life threw. She was so dedicated to everything and growing up she was the best example for the joy she showed in anything she did. I’m forever grateful for her example and even more grateful that she was the mom to my best friend. Thank you Kay and much love sent.
Cynde & Randy Trucano says
Sorry about the passing of Kay. She was always so friendly and ready to visit. Prayers for comfort🙏
Joyce Johnson says
Kay was the best of this world and the best of friends. The two of us had our own language. We were soulmates. So sad that she is gone, but feel so blessed for having her in my life.