Kay McKisson Obituary

Kay McKisson passed away peacefully on March 14, 2025. She was dearly loved by her husband, Richard Leonard McKisson, who preceded her in death about 5 months earlier, as well as by the rest of her family.

Kay was born to Kenneth Ray Moorehead and Dorothy Ann DeVinny Moorehead in Montrose, Colorado on December 6, 1934. Her father told her that he paid the hospital bill for her birth by hauling a load of coal from Paonia to Montrose. Kay grew up in various locations on the Western Slope of Colorado, from Ash Mesa to Ridgway. She attended a 2-room schoolhouse through 6th grade, then attended school in Olathe, and then later graduated from Ridgway High School.

Kay worked as a soda “jerk” at a drug store during high school, and after graduating, she worked for the telephone company as a switchboard operator in both Ridgway and Montrose. She then transferred to the business office of the company in Grand Junction. After attending business school in Denver, Kay worked as a secretary for the Standard Oil Company and Schlumberger Oil Company. It was during this time that Kay met her future husband.

Kay and Dick were married on August 18, 1962, in Montrose. They lived in Denver and later moved to Arvada, settling into a home they shared together for 57 years. They raised their three children there.

Kay had a deep faith in God and was an active member of Trinity Baptist Church in Wheat Ridge. She enjoyed the women’s class bible studies and volunteered in various capacities over the years at Trinity. She treasured the circle of friends she met at Trinity. Kay had a real love for the mountains. She grew up camping, jeeping and hunting in the San Juan Mountains. She continued to enjoy being in the mountains throughout her life through hiking, camping and cross-country skiing with family and friends.

Kay is survived by her three children: Holly Barker of Lakewood, Colorado, Teresa McKisson of Arvada, Colorado, and Kenneth McKisson of Fruita, Colorado. In addition, she was well-loved by her son-in-law, Kevin Barker and her four grandchildren: Andrew, Davis and Charlotte Barker and Tyler McKisson. Kay is also survived by her older sister, Diane Loper of Reno, Nevada, four nieces, a nephew and eight grand nieces and nephews.

Kay’s life will be celebrated by family in a private memorial service.