15 comments (Add your own)

1. Timothy Kay wrote:

Many of those visiting this memorial page may know that I was adopted by George and Jeannette. I will tell you that I never felt like an adopted son. Both of my parents loved me as if I was natural born to them.

I was there when my mother passed from this world into the presence of our Lord. There is nothing more painful than seeing the physical death of a loved one. I know that the Lords statement in Jerimiah 30:17(a) is a promissed kept. "I will restore your health and heal your wounds, I am the Lord thy God."

Nothing put the passing of my mother in better perspective than what my son said to my wife who was trying to console him on his sixteenth birthday. When my wife put her arms around him and said "I'm sorry you had such a bad birthday," he replied "No mom, this is has been a good birthday.". Confused, my wife asked " what do you mean a good birthday?" To which he replied "I know that the first day that Grandma spends eternity with the Lord, happened on my birthday."

My mother always taught me that life is full of trails. She would quote James chapter one "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.". She wanted for her children to understand that trials were not to be faced with groaning and complaints. That approach would not lead to Christian maturity, only making matters worse. Trials were not to be seen as tribulations, but as tests. Tests are given to see if someone passes, not to see if they pass out. The right attitude one brings to a trial, and who knows where to find help in the trial will certainly pass.

She truly was an inspiration. A tough act to follow. And will truly be missed.

Tim Kay

Tue, February 14, 2012 @ 8:52 PM

2. Jim Shields wrote:

I am Matt Kay's neighbor in Sacramento. I will miss Jeannette's visits-she always went out of her way to greet me with kindness and even wave at me from the window sometimes. May she rest in peace. -Jim Shields

Wed, February 15, 2012 @ 2:21 PM

3. Stacye Harper wrote:

I first started working at PVBCC in 1992, my senior year of High School soon after my mother had passed away. One of my good friends at school, Holly Norman, was there for me during my most difficult time in life...Well, she invited me to come up to the camp and work for the summer with her. Needless to say, it was the very beneficial to my well-being being up there. I met and worked with a lot of wonderful people, and one of those people was Jeannette Kay. I remember her comforting me after hearing about my loss and she had only just met me...but that's just the type of person she was. I ended up working at PVBCC from 1992-1995 summer's and winter weekends, and have ALWAYS had very fond memories. I thank you Jeannette Kay for all you did for me and for being one of my fond memories...you'll be dearly missed.

Thu, February 16, 2012 @ 2:38 PM

4. Herb Maphis wrote:

Always contending for the faith, always fighting anxiety and fears, always faithful to God, to family, to work...was Jeannette Kay. Through childhood...Adams Avenue Elementary...Hoover High...San Diego State Teachers College...through four decades of work, and five of marriage...never a waver, never a selfish act, always giving, always trustworthy, always loyal, always humble...was Jeannette Kay.

Such an example was she for 71 years...towards all...family, friends and strangers alike. Creative, organized, cheerful, and welcoming was she. For seven decades I've known, I've seen...I attest to each unreservedly...through good and bad, comfort and poverty, joy and sorrow...never a waver...never a harm...never doubting the Soverign hand behind her sweet life. From whence does such a woman come?

Her influence will continue...in ways only God fully knows. We see in part...this beloved one now passed...He fully knows her now.

I knew her well. I loved her well. I am her brother.

Fri, February 17, 2012 @ 12:44 PM

5. Wendy (daughter-in-law) wrote:

The verse found in I Corinth 13: 4 “Love is patient, love is kind…” always meant something to me but has become more reverent since Jeannette’s passing. Jeannette was the best example I had in being patient and showing kindness… And her perseverance was something to be admired.

I have MANY wonderful memories of her but two come to mind that really tug at my heartstrings. The first was our trip to Carmel many moons ago. We thought it would be a fun experience to take her to a fancy restaurant where they served a 7-course dinner; however it felt like 10 courses because the delightful food just kept on coming. Every time the waiter would bring us a new dish Jeannette’s mouth would just drop. Matt and I would look at each other and giggle. The running joke was “is this it or is there more!?”. Jeannette even asked Matt if she could not partake in the courses but rather share. It was too cute. Afterwards, we decided to go for a walk along the beach since we we’re so full. We looped our arms in each other’s – the 3 of us – and walked and talked about what an experience that dinner was! I relished every moment!

The second memory is more recent. It was this past Christmas. Not even 8 weeks ago that we drove down to Frazier Park and spent Christmas with the whole family - Tim, Sandy, Shelby, Garrett, George, Jeannette and even Uncle Herb and his wife, Miraflor. It was great! On Christmas night I found Henry, Jeannette and Matt in her bed reading “A Christmas Story”. Henry was listening intently to grandma’s soothing voice. I even got a picture of it. I often wonder if Henry will remember her. He’s only two but when I show him pictures of her he smiles. He loved her.

Thank you Heavenly Father for sharing your sweet daughter with me. She taught me so much, was the best listener and gave good advice always quoting scripture. I will miss Jeannette dearly.
I found a quote in one of Jeannette’s journals that I’d like to share. It sounds very much like she could have written it herself but even in her own penmanship it says “Author Unknown.”

“I have been called to make my journey, the exact date is not set but the trip celestial is definitely on. There is no chance of cancellation. I have a tremendous feeling of excitement building around me. Everyone is talking about the trip. I feel comfort, joy and true inner happiness. I am occupied with the preparation for the trip, my focus is forward. The things I must leave behind are becoming less significant. I feel no remorse, no self pity, no anger. But I do feel a deep and genuine sadness for those wonderful, dear people around me, giving from the bottom of their souls. Their very being for to comfort me and let it be known how much they love me. I will see them again.”

Fri, February 17, 2012 @ 5:33 PM

6. Matthew Kay wrote:

Where do I begin when writing about mom? What a special lady she was. It’s a rarity to see someone with the ability to wear so many hats and do it so masterfully. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, bookkeeper, camp cook, interior decorator, and a friend to so many. There was not an inch of Pine Valley Bible Camp that was not touched by my mother in some way. Her love of the Lord and her willingness to be a servant for His Glory was always evident with her 40+ years of service at Pine Valley. In retrospect her life was a life lived full of Faith, Family and Friends.

My mother always had a silent strength about her. The people who had an opportunity to work with her know of what I speak. She was never one to point out her faith in God’s plan for her life. She lived her faith and I had the privilege of seeing it. Two examples come to mind: I remember mom telling me of how she and my father had come to the decision to serve the Lord at Pine Valley. At that time the camp was in shambles. No churches would dream of going there because the facilities were in such disrepair. There were no funds to pay a camp director let alone begin to address all the needs the camp had. Many know the story of how my parents along with camp staff would pull nails, straighten them out and then re-use them. The road to camp off old Highway 80 at that time was so overgrown she told of how brush would scrape both sides of the car as they drove in. Throw in the fact that at the time they we also trying to start a family! Friends at the time thought they were crazy! Why did they do it? One word…Faith. Fast forward to the late 80s. Dad had been diagnosed with congenital heart failure. What would follow in multiple open heart surgeries that replaced various heart valves, a stroke, the implant of an experimental heart pump to keep dad alive in the hope that a suitable heart would come available, and an eventual heart transplant in 1997. I could see the burden my mother had to carry night and day as she cared for dad while continuing to ensure the camp operated smoothly. As I write this, I can honestly say I never heard her complain or ask “why me." Always she would say that the Lord had made provisions for her for this time in her life. Faith mixed with obedience. What a powerful combination it is. What a spectacular thing to witness!

Family always played a large part in moms life. My parents were married in 1962 by Dr. Tim Lahaye who was at that time head pastor at Scott Memorial Baptist Church in San Diego. This was to be the year they celebrated their 50th year anniversary. The Family had begun laying the groundwork for a vacation celebrating the accomplishment. Yes my mother was called home before we could mark the occasion, nevertheless we will remember and celebrate her commitment and devotion. As you can imagine mom really enjoyed being with her 3 grandchildren. For Tim and I she was such a great resource when it came to raising kids. After moms passing I came across a book she kept at her bedside. Inside the book were thoughts she wanted to put to paper and quotes that spoke to her. On the second page of this book she wrote "Our children are messengers we send to a future that we will never see. What will be the message they carry?" What a tremendous perspective! I know I can speak for Tim and I when I say that we both feel extremely blessed to have been raised to keep “our eyes on the prize” and carry out Gods plan for our lives.

Our family has been so touched by the outpouring of love for my mother that we have received from around the country. My mom had developed so many relationships over the years and impacted so many lives. I have always felt that she viewed many of the camp staff along with campers that would come year after year as extended family. Over the last few weeks as I have had a chance to reminisce with many of them I have noticed a reoccurring theme. Again and again stories about her ability to listen, comfort, and offer wisdom for any situation. It was such a gift she had that was born from spiritual maturity. Many consider her their second mother. She could speak the truth and it had such a special ring that it would draw you in. I really miss our almost daily phone conversations. I realize its goodbye for now but not forever. I bring to mind 1 Corinthians 15:55 & 57 “O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?” “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

When my dad was the executive camp director at Pine Valley he would conclude all his correspondence with the phrase “Pine Valley, where the SON always shines!” The camp has been such a central part of our family’s history and story that is seems an entirely fitting place to gather once again to celebrate my mother’s life. What a life it was. A life full of faith, family and friends. I can see my mom, face to face with the Lord, and him saying to her “Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord”. Now that is a life worth celebrating. I love you mom and thank you for being you.

Fri, February 17, 2012 @ 6:28 PM

7. Lloyd Howe (Nephew) wrote:

My dear Aunt Jeanette,

Kind,Caring and loving! I remember You and Uncle George coming to our humble home in Kearny Mesa when I was about six years old. Todd and I were always glad to see you both. You were always a welcome sight! Our household was rather combative as a result of our Father's rage. He did the best that he could. But people can't give away what they don't have. We looked forward to visiting you at PVBC. You refered to it as a retreat ...for us it was Sanctuary! I remember when you both adopted Timothy. He quickly became my favorite Cousin! He lived where I wished that I could be. Far from pain. Among Love understanding and forgiveness. On one visit You and Uncle George asked Todd and I if we had been "saved" given our situation at home I felt as though we had! Uncle George explained to me about "life everlasting" Todd and I accepted The Lord Jesus Christ into our hearts, right then and there! You and Uncle George on either side of us, kneeling, our hands clasped together praying....Thank You for your influence, understanding love and guidance in my life. I told you the last time that we spoke in person, You have the most beautiful blue eyes that I have ever seen. That will never change! I will give your family hugs for you...I will see them soon! I will always love and remember you!

Fri, February 17, 2012 @ 7:15 PM

8. Deanna Bloomer wrote:

As Matt and many others, I have no idea where to begin when speaking of Jeannette. She touched so many lives including mine. I met her through having a job at the Pine Valley Bible Camp starting with summers and then helping throughout the year on weekend conferences. Jeannette used to have me help her with stuffing envelopes, getting flyers and things out for upcoming events, working in the office, organizing craft shop, of course the dining hall, and help with keeping the gift shop organized (actually she spent a lot of time there and I would mostly hang out, end up helping to be able to talk with her and just spend time with her.) During the week I would come visit her even when I was not working. I loved having conversations with her. We would talk about everything. She was like a second mother to me. She was full of wonderful wisdom, advice and the love for Jesus Christ. She would suggest great books for me to read for my devotionals. George and Jeannette always excepted me for who I was and encouraged me to be better. I was there when George was diagnosed with congenital heart failure and watched Jeannette work so hard to keep it all together. There were days she looked so tired but as Matt said she never complained. There is not enough time or space to talk about all the wonderful memories, words, and inspirations Jeannette gave to many of us. I have missed her deeply over the years and finally got reunited just in time to say "see you later." She is home now, where she belongs, and I long for the day to be reunited with her again in Heaven. You have touched my heart deeply Ms Jeannette and I love you with all my heart. If I could ever be half the woman you were, I will be an extraordinary woman. I love you and miss you.

Fri, February 17, 2012 @ 8:08 PM

9. Kenneth Bealo, Sr. wrote:

My first experience at Pine Valley was in Summer, 1951. I had started Summer School classes at Biola & saw an add on the bulletin board for Counselors at Pine Vally for an American Sunday School Union Camp for Junior Highs. I volunteered and had a dorm full of very active boys. One boy contacted me while I was a student at San Francisco Theological Seminary. He had joined the Navy & was stationed in the Bay Area. I had recently joined the Navy as a Reserve Chaplain. I served Presbyterian Churches for 7 years & then went of Active Duty. Following 13 month in Vietnam. I received orders to Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego. While in San Diego, I organized Retreats to Pine Valley quarterly. The Marine Corps provided bus transportation, food from the dinning facility (mess hall) & the Chaplain requested that the Marines both men and women be excused from any weekend assignments. The cost to the Marine wss $5.00. The Base Chapel Fund made a contribution to Pine Valley. Staff was recruited from The Navigators & Campus Crusade. Our sons Ken, Jr. & Mark were pre-school age when we started & grew up with Matthew Kay during the next 4 years (1968-71). Jeannette & George were our sister & brother in the Lord's Service. In 2009. returning from my 50th Seminary Reunion, my wife Joy & I had a great visit with them in Frazier Park, CA. Jeannette we love & miss you & look forward to seeing you in the mansion Christ has prepared for you in Heaven.

Fri, February 17, 2012 @ 11:12 PM

10. Jean Kay- Howe wrote:

I am so sadden that my favorite Sister-In-Law has passed on. When I was with her she always showed her love and brighten my world.
I will miss our telephone conversations. What a lovely lady she was.
Rest In Peace Jeannette and I Love You.
Jean Kay-Howe

Sat, February 18, 2012 @ 6:53 AM

11. Tracy Ayala (Oliveira) wrote:

It’s a gut wrenching agony to lose someone so dear
It’s hard to read, very hard to hear
Adding joy to duty makes me glad to pay
Such honors to thee in this way I may
It seems I’ve been caught by surprise, a thief
Who has stolen my comfort but not my grief

As so many pleasant hours in my head appear
I so longingly wish that you were still here
All this and more endearing still than all
Thy constant flow of love, that knew no fall
In caring and sharing you had no brakes
That humor interpose’ too often makes

My long wonderful mind’s memories page
Last until I pass though this human age
Perhaps through a memorial, so desperately sincere
Thou art in heaven, yet you are still near here.
Wise, meek inelegance in those blue eyes
I saw you, my angel that I immortalize

This life we know can be a dangerous tide
You long since anchor’d me at God’s side
With me seldom able to attain God’s rest
Your words would always melt away my distress.
Around a hill, bent valley, or well lost
You’d pray with me a compass tossed

Some days the storm and currents force
Would start to set me off the course
Your prayers of safety and wisdom and HE
That thought is joy arriving its way to me
And now Farwell-time begun its run
What’s done in this life for God is done

So many a tomorrow came fast and went
Yet with cherished memories my sorrow’s spent
Here we are together day by day
God’s people to cherish along the way
So now is your history I want you to know
Your life, your race you won – will show!

Short lived are our possessions, readily fair
Yet we leave many memories up in heaven down there.
I’ve turned to a window it drapes slightly drew
A long long sigh and wept an earthly adieu
May one day I meet thee on that peaceful shore
And gasping sorrow pass my lips no more

The times we were happy engulfed in a smile
Were as warm as when sadly we’d walk awhile
Time has taken a tyrannical claim
Yet in memory you shine on me still the same
Faithful remembrance of one so dear
I know God smiled and said “Welcome here”

And while now your photos renew my grief
Eternity in God’s love is a painful relief
On February first as you passed, body dead
I couldn’t help all those tears that I shed
Your spirit went over your sorrowing son
As your new life’s journey had just begun.

Perhaps you gave us and unseen kiss
Perhaps shed tears, if souls weep in bliss
Time half succeeded in its awful theft
Yet, God’s power to sooth has never left
Don’t leave our loved ones, questioned to concern
But knowing to God all our souls return.

The affection of a mother a friend lives on
Thank you for being my earth’s mamasan
Thank you for all the hugs and notes and calls
I will cling to your voice that echo’s the halls
The ravages of time, have worn my “rock” away –
Not in vain are these memories of yesterday
Love Tracy

P.S.
I will sit with a Red Bull and await the day
That I too will be able to fly away!

Sun, February 19, 2012 @ 1:06 PM

12. Linda Gump wrote:

It's hard to convey in words what Jeannette means to me. We have been close friends for about 25 years even though we lived over 1300 miles apart. She was the best encourager and the best prayer warrior I know. I miss being able to pick up the phone and call and hear her cheery "Hi!" Through everything we discussed, she had her preference for what she wanted, but always ended with "Not my will, but His be done." Jeannette was the sweetest spirit, and I will miss her dearly. There is a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt that sums her up perfectly. “Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart”.

Mon, February 20, 2012 @ 2:07 PM

13. Tanayah Fierro(scott) wrote:

Where to begin , well I will try to keep it short.Let me say that as many others have stated, jeanette will always be in my heart, i will always remember her kinds words, and cheerful self, and her open ear,and motherly qualities that she shared with us all.(and her rosy cheeks.)I first went to camp with my mother for woman's retreat in the mid 90's. Then my second time was for teen camp in the late 90's for which i will forever be changed, i had and awesome counselor the best in fact, and a time of spiritual growing. I then came back to work as weekend crew for many of years to come, then summer staff, and the full time staff. I left for some years and came back as full time staff again in 98. In those many years i have met many people at camp, matt as a teenager, and wendy before they married, tim doing his karate demonstrations, and sandy before she married tim. I was under sandy as summer staff, and being a brat sandy put me in my place and said if you dont want to be here you can go home.I shaped up and had many years of service after that, where i met many others, Anita, Linda, Susan, Tracy,janine,litta,the learys. karen and shane,jeff and shannon,alicia, and the list goes on. I can truly say that all of us i believe have been touch by your spirit and kindness at some point in our live and have fond memories that will last forever in our heart. You will be missed and those that have not met you will know you through our talks about you . I look forward to meeting you again some day . I pray that the kay family will heal after this great loss and know that many are with you all and love you .

Mon, February 27, 2012 @ 1:26 PM

14. Elizabeth (Liz) Huff Leary wrote:

Mr. Henry Worthington, a man in my home church, bought the CCC camp and got the Pine Valley Bible camp going. It opened when I was about 3 months old and my family (three older brothers, Clyde, 10, John, 7, and Richard, 5,) and my parents, Cecil & Esther Huff and I were at the first family camp - mother said we stayed in a tent. Can you imagine that? My two younger brothers, David and Bob, also grew up attending camp.

I met George & Jeannette when they first came up to live at the Bible camp. Each year until I was in my fifties, I went to camp. At PV Bible Camp, I made a decision to give my life to fulltime Christian service, met my husband, Bruce, there. We were told we were the first couple to be married at the camp. It was a beautiful blue-sky day with snow laying around 12/16/1972. We brought our firstborn, David, home from the hospital to our home at the camp. We served the LORD alongside George & Jeannette, Bob & Fran Medaris and Eddie & Iti Simmons. It was a very special time - especially so with Jeannette there. Her life centered around serving the LORD and serving her family then reaching out to many as her extended family.

In the early days, she and I went on walks together. Bruce and I loved George & Jeannette very much and were blessed to have known them. Our time on staff ended and remained in Pine Valley within walking distance of the camp. As our family grew, each of our kids (David, Ann, and Bobby) served on weekend and summer staff. We were pleased to know they were getting the blessing of watching Jeannette's life up close! PVBCC's blessing continued as two of our three kids met & married their life partners -- fellow staffer or camper they met at the camp. Jeff (Tepfer) married our Ann and David & Tiffany (Herbert) even got married there.

A day and a half before her aneurysm surgery, I had a wonderful phone visit with Jeannette. She was waiting for her body to adjust after having been on cumadin, so she could have her surgery. We talked about the moment when she realized she needed to get to the hospital, and how fragile life was. She assured me she wasn't in any pain, nor had she been, but she knew the feelings and symptoms she had experienced were serious. The CT scan had confirmed a cherry-sized aneurysm.

I had called to pray with her, and she wanted that but before she had me pray, she wanted to know all the latest news about our kids and she wanted to know all about our four grandchildren. I gave the phone to Bruce and they had a very pleasant chat, laughing and reminiscing over many past years.

It was a bittersweet time realizing the next time we saw each other may be in Heaven. We prayed for her family - that no matter what the results were concerning her surgery or afterward, her family members would become closer to the LORD and to each other. See also wanted all those who knew her to do the same.

Jeannette's life reflected her goal - to be like Jesus!

Fri, March 9, 2012 @ 11:39 AM

15. Jill Fogarty wrote:

I worked at the camp for a couple of weeks in the kitchen the summer of 1985 and I remember them. I was just up there last weekend for a retreat and I was wondering if they were still living there. THEY ARE IN A MUCH BETTER PLACE NOW!!

Thu, March 15, 2012 @ 10:37 PM

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