Kay Ellen Hearne, 70 of King City passed away on Monday, September 22, 2014 at her home.

Kay was born October 20, 1943 in Modesto, Calif. She moved to Monterey County in 1958. King City has been her home ever since. She graduated from King City High School in 1961. In her younger years, Kay enjoyed playing tennis. She enjoyed walking and traveling. She especially loved her trips to Alaska and Tennessee. She preferred driving as opposed to flying. Animal Style was her choice at IN-IN-OUT Burgers. She may have been small in size, but she had a huge heart. She always had a soft spot for cats. She regularly took in a stray here and there. It is rumored that at one time she actually cared for 13 making sure they all had plenty of water and food when they had nowhere else to go. Kay enjoyed shopping and while she was a quiet individual, she always enjoyed a good conversation. She was an independent woman and strong minded. If you knew Kay, you also knew where you stood with her. She always spoke her mind. You could say she shot from the hip. If you didn't want to hear it, you best not ask her, because she would tell you straight up. And she was most likely right on.

Kay had courage and strength. She fought her battle with cancer all the way to the end. She never gave up and always believed she could beat it. She was a hard worker and worked up to her last days rarely taking a day off. She never complained. She never wanted anyone to fuss over her. She showed us all how to be strong and did it her way.

Kay was last employed as a secretary to the Assistant Warden at Salinas Valley State Prison. Her past employments included working for John Adams Ford, Denny's Restaurant and many will remember her at Keefer's Restaurant where she did bookwork and as a waitress, served many meals in excess of 20 years.

While Kay seemed like a work-a-holic she loved her family very much, especially her grandchildren. She cherished her time spent with them. They will miss their "Nanny Goat" very much.

Kay leaves behind her son, Michael Hearne his wife Frankie and their children, Michele, Wesley and Breann; her daughter, Debra Spears her husband Kenny and their children, Rebecca, Nathaniel and Zachary. Kay also leaves behind her brother, Donald Catterson his wife Betty and their children, Lindsey and Christopher. Kay was preceded in death by her grandson, Justin.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Association.

A visitation, viewing and gathering will be held from 2pm to 7pm, Saturday, September 27, 2014 at Eddington Funeral Services Chapel