Kay Heath Obituary

Kay Alexander Burhans Heath
KAY ALEXANDER BURHANS HEATH (1933 – 2024)
Kay was born in Delavan, IL. She was the daughter of Roy and Lottie Alexander. She grew up in Princeton, IL, and, after graduating from Princeton High School in 1951, moved west to California where she attended William Woods College. She eventually landed in the Fresno area, where she attended Fresno State University and graduated with a Master's Degree in Education. She was passionate with teaching every student. She spent most of her teaching career at Eaton Elementary in Fresno. She taught for many years, and former students would drop by and thank her for caring so much about their education.
Kay was able to take an early retirement and spend her time on the ranch in North Fork that she and her husband, Albert, so dearly loved. She enjoyed being with her horses and dogs and living in the mountains. But most of all, she enjoyed her life with Al.
She joined the Madera County Sheriff's Mounted Posse for Search and Rescue in 1985. Riding her horses in the mountains and participating in search and rescue became her new passion.
In her later years, the 20-acre ranch became overwhelming for her and Al to maintain. After Al's passing in 2019, Kay moved to Oregon to be close to her two grown children and spend the remaining years with her kids. She loved the ocean, and would spend many hours walking on the beach and loved listening to the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks.
Kay was very kind-hearted and had an adventurous spirit. She and her late husband, Al, would pack up the camper and head off to different states to spend time with family and friends. Alaska was their favorite destination. They loved spending time together just enjoying life.
Kay is preceded in death by her husband, Albert; and her first husband and the father of her 3 children, Bill Burhans; her son, Greg Burhans; and her stepson, Joe Heath.
She is survived by her brother, Howard Alexander (Harriette) and their son, Eric; her daughter, Linda Nester; her son, Doug Burhans (Keri) and their 3 children, Kaylyn Harvey (Westin) and their 6 children; Ashley Burhans and Cody Burhans. She is also survived by her 2 stepdaughters, Sharron Nisbett, and her 3 children, 13 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild; Debbie Gehrke, her 4 daughters and 12 grandchildren.
Kay lived an amazing life. She passed away with family present and went peacefully at the age of 91.
There will be a celebration of life service on Monday, May 19 at Palm Memorial Sierra Chapel in Oakhurst, CA. The chapel is located at 49269 Road 426 and the service will start at 11:00 am. There will also be a time for gathering and remembering afterwards at the Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn located at 40530 Hwy 41 in Oakhurst.
Kay had a huge heart for rescue animals, and her wishes are for any donations to be sent to reputable horse and dog rescue facilities.