Kay Baker King

Kay’s arrival was a surprise. He parents, Jane and Harold Baker, were expecting a third child when Annie was born on February 25, 1945. Hidden behind Annie, though was Kay. After a few weeks in an incubator together, the Baker twins were off to south Denver to join their parents and siblings, Pete and Janet.

Kay was an active child spending a lot of time with ballet, playing the piano, diving and cheerleading. She graduated from South High School in 1963 and then spent two wonderful years at Colorado College. She then returned to Denver to help care for her ailing father and continue her studies at The University of Denver. After graduating in 1967, she planned to follow her mother into a teaching career. Instead, her sense of adventure encouraged her to follow in the path of both her sisters as a flight attendant. She travelled all over the world including New Zealand and Kenya.

In 1976, Nancy King , one of Kay’s flying partners at United Airlines suggested a blind date with her brother-in-law, John King. Kay said yes and that made all the difference. Two years later Kay and John married and began their life together in Greenwood Village. They lived in the home John proposed to Kay in on South Franklin Lane and grew their family with the additions of Molly, Melissa and John.

Since then, Kay successfully juggled her roles as daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend despite an ongoing struggle with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. In their early married life, Kay enjoyed playing tennis and attending events with John, while still working as a flight attendant. In her role as a mother, Kay was always loving, fun and dependable. She spent many years driving carpool to Most Precious Blood school and then to Mullen High School for her 3 children. She was always involved in her children’s lives as a room mom, volunteer and supporter of activities and sports. When Molly, Melissa and John were in high school, the King home was always warm and welcoming to their friends. Kay made everyone feel comfortable and at home. She was genuinely interested in the lives of her friends and family. Kay loved being with her family and traveling with them. Some of her favorite memories were of family trips to Hawaii, Mexico, Spain, Paris, London and Ireland. She shared her love of adventure and travel with John and her kids.

In her most recent years, Kay would attend her grandchildren’s sporting events and school programs with her portable oxygen and in her wheelchair. She was a fighter and continued to be there for her family even when it was hard for her. When she could no longer attend in person, she would watch events that were broadcast online and facetime with the kids to show her love and support. As she grew weaker, Kay still did everything that she could to be present for all family and social events. She fought and in her fight she always favored others over herself.

John was the love of Kay’s life. They both knew how lucky they were to have found each other and to have the life they built together. From the very beginning they were head over heels in love. Their children and everyone who knew them felt this love and shared in their admiration for each other.

Throughout her life, Kay exemplified the Biblical virtues. She fought the good fight. She finished the race. She kept her faith. Kay lives on in the hearts of all of those who knew and loved her. Kay passed away on Sunday, November 6 after more than 20 years of battling COPD. She passed peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family.

Kay is survived by her loving husband of almost 44 years, John King, their children, Molly Oates(Jordan) and grandchildren Avery, Finley, James and Amber, Melissa Hornsby(Mike) and grandchildren Shelby, Mick and Jack, John King III(Josianne), sister Ann Witulski and 7 brothers and sisters-in-law, 22 nieces and nephews and dozens of beloved family members.

A funeral mass will be held for Kay at All Souls Catholic Church on Wednesday, November 16 at 10:00am at 4950 S. Logan St., Englewood, CO, 80113. Please join the family for a reception at the church following the service. The family will attend Kay’s burial at Chapel Hill Cemetery following the reception.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Red Cross at redcross.org. Kay’s father, Harold, was the Rocky Mountain Regional Manager for the American Red Cross and it is a special organization to the family.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerchapelhill.com for the King family.