Kay Meilke

Kay M. Meilke, 64, died on March 31 at home on her farm. She was born on Feb. 28, 1950, to parents Helen and Art Meilke. She was brought home to the family farm 11 miles southeast of Lind to joine her brother, Peter Mielke.

Kay ran her life race with utter determination, courage, stubbornness, independence and fun.

It is said her first love was animals. She would have tea parties with her cats, and could talk her dad into bringing home any animal. Both Kay and her father loved their two horses, Silver and Dondi. Dondi was specially named after her grandfather Don Damon, thus DonD. Her love for horses is what led her to be a member of the Lind Rodeo Royalty in high school.

After graduating from high school in 1968, Kay attended Central Washington University in Ellensburg. Kay worked at Kaiser Aluminum in Spokane during the 70s, but soon moved back to Lind when she married Curtis Kulm, but they later divorced.

After working for the Adams County Weed Board, Kay found her dream job working for the Adams County Conservation District. She loved visiting with farmers and taking water samples to test Nitrogen levels throughout the county. Her favorite part of working with the Adams County Conservation District was working with the local fifth grades students during the Lind Experiment Station Field Days.

After the death of her father, Art, she moved back to the family farm.

Kay was very civic minded. One of her greatest attributes was her love for the Town of Lind. She would always ask what she could do for the Town of Lind and how to make it better for future generations. She was chosen several times to be a parade judge for Lind’s summer and Christmas Parades.

Although Kay was a part of many community memberships, such as the Washington Wheat Growers Association and the South Adams County Margarita Party Club, she was very active in two particular organizations throughout the years: the Adams County Pet Rescue, where she gave safe haven to many animals, and the Adams County Historical Society.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Art and Helen (Damon) Meilke, and brother Peter Meilke.

She is survived by her sister-in-law Charlene Hamrah and nephew Damon Meilke, along with numerous cousins, family members and friends.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Adams County Pet Rescue or the Adams County Historical Society.

Graveside burial is at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, at the Lind Cemetery, with memorial services at the Lind Community Church at 11 a.m., with Pastor Steve Schofstoll officiating.

A catered lunch is scheduled to follow the services. Danekas Funeral Home of Ritzville is entrusted with arrangements.