Kay M. Stockard of Stanfield left behind her earthly journey and began her heavenly journey with our Lord Jesus Christ on Dec. 2, 2023 in Hermiston at the age of 87.
She was born on Sept. 22, 1936 in Walla Walla, Wash. to Marvin and Mildred Tucker Kupers.
Coming from a large farming family in the Walla Walla, Wash. area, her family expanded their farming to the Buttercreek area outside Echo in the 1940s. Kay attended the one-room Pine City School on Buttercreek before enrolling in the Echo schools. While in high school she was an avid horse rider, participating in many of the family round-ups at the ranch. Kay was a majorette for the Echo marching band and they performed in many of the local parades, as well as the Rose Festival Parade in Portland.
While in high school she met the true love of her life, Jim Stockard. They were united in marriage in 1951 and she started her journey as a farmer’s wife, taking on the role of cook. She would cook breakfast and prepare harvest field lunches and dinners for crews of 20 to 25 men. Cooking for the crews was a joy for her and to the day she passed she kept in touch with several of them. They not only enjoyed her amazing farm dinners, but they also enjoyed her delicious cream puffs, eclairs and other desserts.
After the sale of the farm in the mid-1970s, Jim and Kay’s life journey took them to Portland, where Kay operated an in-home care business until retiring. In 2012 Kay, along with her daughter, Susan Lemke, son-in-law, D.R. Lemke and her brother, Jack Lieuallen moved to Stanfield, where she had lived since.
Mom was not just our mother but a strong influential mom to many along her journey, sharing her love, encouragement, confidence and strength that she lovingly demonstrated throughout her life. Many were touched and our lives will
forever hold the prints she has left upon each of us as she lives on in not only our hearts but through our actions. Love you, Mom.
She is survived by her son, David Stockard (Leah), Umatilla; daughter, Susan Lemke (D.R.), Stanfield; brother, Jack Lieuallen; grandchildren, James Stockard (Jen), Hurricane, Utah, Jesse Stockard (Cas C), Las Vegas, Nev., Sean Stockard (Wen), Houston, Texas, Kevin Stockard (Jessica), Mooreland, Okla., Keely Sterba (Matt), Richland, Wash., Jason Lemke (Heidi), Portland, Heather Lemke (Brent), Las Vegas, Nev. and Allison Lemke, Portland; 23 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great grandchildren.
Kay was preceded in death by her husband; a son, Ron Stockard; grandson, Jason Stockard; and a daughter-in-law, Susan Stockard.
A celebration of life service will be held in the spring of 2024.
A private family burial was held at the Pleasant View Cemetery, Stanfield.
Please share memories of Kay with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
