Kay Joanne Odegaard

Kay Joanne Odegaard, 85, of Billings, died on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, at Tender Nest Assisted Living, surrounded by family.

Kay was born on Nov. 12, 1938, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, the daughter of Melvin and Gertrude (McGrath) Anderson. She grew up in Emerado, North Dakota, and graduated from Emerado High School. Upon graduating, she started her nursing education. Soon after, she met Paul Odegaard and they married on July 19, 1957, in Grand Forks. They celebrated 67 years together. They traveled to many places for Paul’s work before settling in Billings. Together, they raised four children: Paula, Shayne, Troy and Shelley.

Kay completed her nursing degree in 1978 and was an LPN at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Billings for 14 years. After retiring, Kay and Paul traveled in their RV and wintered in Apache Junction, Arizona. Kay was active in the women’s ministry at Yellowstone Lutheran Brethren Church. She was a member of the Red Hat Society. She loved her cat, Kakiki, and many cats before him.

Kay is survived by her husband Paul and children, Paula, Shayne and Shelley (David) Yager; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Richard and Vernon; and sister Colleen (Dean) Mattern. She is preceded in death by her parents; brother Duane; son Troy; and grandson Corey.

A combined celebration of life for Paul and Kay Odegaard will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. Interment will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, at Mountview Cemetery (section 14).

In lieu of flowers, send donations to the Adult Resource Alliance (Meals on Wheels); Alzheimer’s Association Montana, 3010 11th Ave. N., Billings, MT 59101; and Village Family Service Center, Fargo, North Dakota.