Overby, Kay Deeter

May 21, 1940 - November 16, 2024

Kay’s vibrant spirit left us too soon after a second battle with asbestos-related lung cancer. She accepted the diagnosis with dignity and grace knowing she had lived a long, full life. Kay was a loving wife, mother, stepmother, grandmother, sister-in-law, aunt, and cherished friend. She touched the lives of so many with her warmth, wisdom, and kindness, and made the world a better place for those who knew her through her positive approach, laughter, guidance, and simple joys she found in everyday moments.

Kay was born in Spokane, Washington, to Donald and Arlene (Schomer) Deeter. Her childhood was a whirlwind, moving from town to town as her father worked as a pipe insulator. They lived in Hanford, Tacoma, Spokane, and points in between. Although the moves were difficult, it taught her how to quickly make friends in new situations, a talent she kept throughout her life. During her early teens, she settled with her aunt, Jo Watts, in the Parkwater area of Spokane where she attended West Valley High School and met her life-long friend, Phyllis Holum. With newfound stability, Kay blossomed as she discovered new interests, performing in many plays, participating in debate competitions, and representing West Valley as their Lilac Princess in 1958, the year she graduated.

Kay attended WSU for two years, then married Richard Hembree in 1960. They welcomed two children, Verlie and Richard. She was a loving mother with an adventurous spirit, and we look back with fondness on our many camping, canoeing, and cross-country skiing adventures. Although she and Rich divorced, they remained friendly.

Kay started a new chapter in her life when she married Gary Holum and became “step-monster” to Scott, Mark, Chris, Kristie, Michelle, Deanna, and Alicia. Family gatherings were a joy for her. Growing up as an only child, Kay truly appreciated the large family vibe and dove in whole-heartedly. Kay and Gary spent many special hours at Twin Lakes, WA, near Inchelium, with family and friends. Together they ran Servco Enterprises, and when Gary passed suddenly in 1995, she continued the business with the help of son, Chris.

Kay kept the lake place after Gary’s death, knowing that the grandchildren would enjoy making memories there as well. She chose the nickname “Oma” and embraced the role of grandma with great enthusiasm. A couple of years later she met Rick Overby, and they married in 1997. Kay loved to take the grandkids and their friends to the lake, where they shared many adventures. Several times they hosted 10 or more people at the lake. Kay loved to play games, with the card game “Demon” being her favorite. Her dad taught her the game as a child, and she was FAST! It was many, many years before anyone beat her at that game. During one lake outing, the power went out right before breakfast preparation. Kay didn’t worry—she just said, “We’ll have power’s out breakfast!” which was leftover pie and other desserts from the night before. The kids absolutely loved it, and it became a tradition in the remaining years of the lake place. Kay loved attending grandkids’ events and went to many soccer, basketball, and baseball games, plays, concerts and dance recitals.

Rick became ill with cancer, and Kay cared for him until his death in 2016. In the following years, she welcomed her precious kitten, Boots, into her life, spent time with family and friends, and traveled. She especially looked forward to joining her friend Phyllis in Bend, Oregon, and going to grandkids’ graduation and wedding celebrations wherever they might be. Kay was an enthusiastic Gonzaga basketball fan and loved attending games. She played ping-pong with passion and many spirited games were enjoyed with the grandkids and her neighbor and dear friend Birdie McClellan. Kay loved gardening and she was a masterful chef who spent many hours whipping up delicious meals and hosting lively gatherings.

Kay is survived by her children Verlie Thompson (Bill) and Richard Hembree (Carolyn) and grandchildren Ryan Thompson (Jessica) and Jeffrey Thompson. She was over the moon at the birth of her great-grandchild, Anna Kay. She is also survived by Scott Holum (Sue), Mark Holum (Jim Burbo), Kristie Morgan (Dan), Michelle Gifford (Mike), and Deanna Holum, and grandchildren Dana Lefever, Alexis Starr (Ken), Wendy Hinshaw (Ray), Nicolle Cummings, Brianna Evetts (Riley), Jessica Gifford, Dustin Gifford, Jacob Gifford (Sonja), Andrew Wilson (Jocelyn), Malina and Carsten Davis, Bella and Alaina Chapman and numerous great-grandchildren, as well as her sisters-in-law Phyllis and Shirley, and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husbands, children Chris Cummings and Alicia Chapman (Blake), and grandson Aaron Cummings.

A celebration of life for Kay will be held on Saturday, April 26, from 10:00 am to Noon at Heritage Funeral Home, 508 N Government Way, Spokane, WA. The service will be streamed online for those unable to attend (Oneroom Streaming: Kay Overby Service). She will be dearly missed but forever remembered with the beautiful memories she leaves behind and the profound impact she had on our lives. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Library Foundation of Spokane County, as Kay was a life-long avid reader, or to Hospice of Spokane. To plant a tree in her memory, visit alivingtribute.org.