Kay Frances Adams

Kay Frances Adams, 84, a longtime resident of Davenport, Wash, passed away on July 28, 2022. Kay was born in Seattle in 1938, the daughter of Mary Lee and Archie Edwin Selde.

In the summer of 1947, the family of five moved to Davenport, where Kay entered the fourth grade. As a teenager, Kay worked summers for the Davenport Parks Department, managing the city swimming pool. There she also worked as a lifeguard and taught swimming and tennis lessons. An active individual in high school, Kay was the undefeated bi-county singles tennis champion and a cheerleader for the football and basketball teams. As a member of the school band, she played the flute and was chosen to play in the All-State Band. In 1956 she graduated as a salutatorian from Davenport High School.

Kay graduated with a degree in physical education from Washington State University in 1960. While at WSU, Kay participated as a member of Fish Fans, a synchronized swimming team, and took masterclasses from notable dancers, including Merce Cunningham; she aspired to join the Martha Graham Dance Company. Following graduation, Kay was hired as an instructor in modern dance and individual sports at the University of Montana, Missoula. Several years later, she returned to the Inland Empire to teach physical education at North Central High School in Spokane before moving to Elma, Wash., to teach third grade. In August 1979, Kay married Joseph Reno Adams, affectionately known to Kay as “Coco” Joe. Together, they farmed near Bluestem, Wash., until Joe's passing.

A passion for the arts and curiosity about history and culture were defining features of Kay's life. She enjoyed researching cultures from around the world and used that knowledge to develop creative lessons for children. Kay was a visionary and a creator who was gifted at communicating with young children, especially when teaching dance and creative movement. She brought her energetic spirit to every aspect of her life. Each year she recreated the Christmas traditions of other countries. In the eyes of a child, Aunt Kay was magical. She enthusiastically joined imagination games, told wild stories, sang songs, and played dress-up; music and dancing filled her home. Kay cared deeply for her friends and family. She maintained her bonds through phone calls and letters. Late in life, she befriended Nick McLean from Addy, Wash. They spent many years adventuring together and enjoyed spending time with Nick's granddaughter Misty.

Kay will be deeply missed. Kay was preceded in death by her parents Archie Edwin and Mary Lee Selde and her husband Joe Adams. Kay is survived by her sister Arch Elee Oakshott, her brother Gerald Selde, her sister-in-law Wendy Selde, her nephew Ryan Selde, and her nieces Rya Oakshott-Daines and Christine Oakshott-Mitchell.

A graveside service will be held at the Colfax, Wash., cemetery on October 7th at 11:00 am. A celebration of life will be held on October 8th at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Davenport, Wash., from 2:00-4:00 pm. In place of flowers, please consider donating to the WSU Department of Education.