Glenna Kay Carlson

Kay Kinney Carlson was the quintessential librarian, always ready to help anyone gain knowledge or information at a moments notice. She was born in Cambridge, Idaho on December 22, 1945. Before her third birthday, her parents Glenna M. Brandt and Fred W. Kinney, and elder sister Linda R. Kinney, moved to Bend, Oregon. Younger sisters, Connie and Andrea were born in Bend. Kay's family moved to Ontario, Oregon and she graduated from Ontario High School in 1964. She attended the University of Oregon and then Eastern Oregon College, graduating in 1971. Her daughter, Bethany Kay Moffit, was born June 24, 1974.

Kay enjoyed working in Ontario, Oregon, at the Treasure Valley Community College Library for several years. In 1980, she married the love of her life, Jim Carlson. They joined families and lived in Vale, Oregon, where Jim continued his position as Superintendent of Schools and Kay as Assistant Librarian at TVCC. Kay served in numerous different library positions subsequently. After Bethany began her college career, Kay returned to school as a graduate student at Indiana University, the School of Library and Information Science, obtaining her Masters Degree of Library Science in 1993.

Jim and Kay returned to the west and Kay worked as Library Director at Dull Knife Memorial College, Lame Deer, Montana, later moving to Powell, Wyoming to become Library Director at Northwest College. Her efforts as director included enhancing and directing the library building expansion, increasing the number of volumes of books, updating the library technology, and initiating the tradition of having an annual high tea to welcome visitors to the library. She served on the College Council at Northwest College, and on president and faculty search committees. "Book Woman" was an effective and beloved boss.

She was always very active in civic, college, church, and community organizations. She especially liked participating in the Bell Choir and AAUW. Kay served on the Wyoming Council for the Humanities Board. She served as President of the Wyoming Library Association, and was recognized as Wyoming Librarian of the Year. She and Jim have willingly served their community in Powell in many capacities including the First Presbyterian Church and local organizations. She was serving her second term as Treasurer of the Powell Valley Health Care Board of Directors.

Kay had a wonderful, wry sense of humor and a quiet, kindly demeanor which belied her compassionate and persistent activism. She was known for her love and kindness for everyone, particularly her family. She composed poetry and held a lifelong passion for the written word.

Together Kay and Jim have six children: Bonnie (Richie) Goss, Jimmie Carlson, Nisha (Chris) Carlson - Kettlehut, twins Randy (Christy) Carlson and Renee Carlson, and Bethany (Robert) Gaylord. They have twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Other survivors include sisters, Connie and brother-in-law Scott Harris, Andrea and brother-in-law Monty Fowers; sister-in-law Marge and husband Elvin Mead.

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Powell at 3:00 pm March 23, 2010. Donations to the Northwest College Student Textbook Scholarship Fund in Kay's name would be welcomed.