Patricia Kay (Cummings) Cotham

Patricia Kay Cummings Cotham, better known as Kay, age 89, passed away at her home in John Day, Oregon, on June 12, 2023. A celebration of her life will be held on September 23, 2023, at the John Day Senior Center starting at 11:00 AM, with a reception to follow.

She was born in Dayville, Oregon, to Lloyd Earl Cummings and Florence Viola Moore Cummings. Kay lived all her life in Grant County and was pioneer stock. She attended school in Dayville, Oregon, where she took part in school activities.

She married Alfred Cotham on November 7, 1953, in Winnemucca, Nevada. They lived in Izee and then moved to John Day, where she lived for 66 years. She worked at the Gleason Pool, then as a bookkeeper/secretary for Al's Auto Service, which they co-owned. After the business sold, she worked for the Forest Service and then the School District, testing hearing.

Kay loved traveling, and she and Al were "snowbirds" for many years. She loved to garden and take care of her lawn; she also loved to play cards and waterski (in her younger years). She was an active part of her grandchildren's and great-great-grandchildren's lives. Family was very important to her, and she loved to celebrate holidays, she loved to visit with her friends, and she enjoyed going to senior meals. The Izee cabin and nature were an important part of her life; she loved seeing the deer, elk, wild horses, and bears and mostly feeding the chipmunks.

Kay was deeply loved and will be missed by all. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Cecil and her beloved husband, Alfred.

She is survived by her one daughter, Pam Cotham Paullus, three grandchildren and their spouses, eight great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be announced later.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the John Day Senior Center to help fund the Senior Meal Program through Driskill Memorial Chapel at 241 S. Canyon Blvd., John Day, OR 97845.

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