Kay Dele Putnam Cooper, 71, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on March 2, 2013, in Kalispell.

Kay was born Feb. 12 1942, in Great Falls, to Al and Ivy (Vogel) Putnam. She attended Flathead County High School in Kalispell.

Kay was preceded in death by her husband, William Cooper; father, Al Putnam; mother, Ivy Miller; son, Stephen Lee; baby girl at birth; and brother-in-law, Dick Yarde.

Kay is survived by her daughter, Jane Ashe, and husband, Doug, of Nashville, Tenn., grandchildren, Daniel Ashe and wife Ashley of Lexington, Ky., and William Ashe and wife Meaghan of Springhill, Tenn.; sister, Carol Yarde, of Kalispell; sister, Leona Maher, and husband, Jim, of Livingston; brother, Leonard Miller, of Missoula; brother, John Miller, and wife, Leslie, of Florence; sister, Dolly Miller, of Livingston; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Kay loved taking care of her grandsons William and Daniel during their early years. She also enjoyed having them spend the summers in Montana with her and going to the lake to swim. Kay loved to cook her Southern food and eat Chinese anytime possible. She enjoyed many crafts, from jewelry making to knitting hats and scarves to send to those in need. Kay traveled the state delivering dogs with her friend Sheri. She also nursed back to health a Papillion that she named Shadow, and he was continually with her wherever she went.

Kay always made an effort to spend time with her friends and family. She will be missed. Even though she is gone, her memory will live on in all of our hearts forever.

 “God willing and the creeks don’t rise.” (Kay’s favorite saying).

No services will be held at this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Kay’s name to a charity of your choice.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Kay’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Kay’s tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories.