Kee Hazel Stump

A Graveside Service for Kee Hazel Stump of Spokane, Washington, formerly of Mountain Home, Arkansas, will be 2:00 pm, Saturday, April 8, 2017, at Kirby's Tucker Memorial Cemetery.

Kee Hazel Stump passed away peacefully in Spokane, Washington, on February 9, 2017. Born on May 7, 1918 in Arkansas to Tilden and Pearl Clifft, Kee and her four brothers grew up on a small farm. From the time she was a young girl, Kee enjoyed gardening and caring for birds, who responded to her loving attention. Over the years, beloved feathered friends included a crow, parrot, cockatoo, and roadrunners.

As a single mother, Kee worked hard to support her two young daughters. For a time, she picked fruit in Washington state orchards, later working as a welder on World War II warships based in Washington state. When the war ended, Kee found work as a welder at Maremont Mufflers in Illinois. As she took classes and became more proficient, Kee became a welding inspector in the shop.

When Kee and her husband, Gene Stump, met and married in Harvey, IL, Gene’s son, Richard, joined the family. As their children matured, married, and moved away, Kee and Gene, built a home in Arkansas, living near relatives until Gene passed away in 2004.

Kee is survived by daughters Colleen Brodie and JoAnn Wells, daughter-in-law Elaine Messer, and a number of active, loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren in Illinois, Ohio, Florida, and Washington state.

David and Patsy Clifft, close friends as well as family, will always be deeply appreciated for their kindness to Kee and her family, as will caretakers and friends at South Wind Heights Independent Living Home. Kee remained physically active until she passed away at the age of 98 years. She will be missed and fondly remembered by friends and family.

Arrangements are by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services.