Katherine “Kay” VanNess, 69, passed away at her home in Paradise Valley, Arizona, on January 5, 2004.  Kay was known to many in ELEA schools and early childhood centers for her work with, and advocacy of, early childhood education.  For many years, she worked through the Region 2 Office setting up workshops and training opportunities for the early childhood centers in the Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA.  She devoted many hours, many on a volunteer level, in bringing together early childhood professionals from the ELCA, with their counterparts from the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) as well.  We remember her fondly as always being on top of early childhood issues.  She served several terms on the ELEA National Board of Directors.

     Kay was the loving mother of four daughters; Katharine, Elisa, Carolyn and Laura, and grandmother to five; Eric, Chad, Emily, Ethan and Katharine.  Her husband, Bradford O. VanNess, preceded her in death.

     At her funeral service, Kay’s children said that she taught them all to “follow their bliss”.  Her “blisses” were early childhood education, contributing to the community in a variety of capacities, and travel.  She will be remembered by many in the Phoenix area and nationally for her long time contributions to various organizations including Girl Scouts, Habitat for Humanity, W.H.E.A.T., Lutheran Aid Associations and the Phoenix Art Museum Guild, as well as ELEA.

     Memorial contributions may be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 3641 North 56th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85018, where Kay was a long time active member.  Funeral services were held on January 10, 2004.  

     We will miss you, Kay!