Kathleen "Kay" Wiley-Chafin

Kathleen “Kay” M. Wiley-Chafin, 91, of Great Falls, went to be with the Lord on the evening of September 22, 2021, at home, surrounded by her loving family. A Celebration of Life will be held on SATURDAY, October 9, 2021 at 1:00 PM at the Carter Community Center in Carter, MT.

Kay was born on January 28, 1930 to parents, Harold and Alma Leistner Walker.  Sandwiched between older sister, June Walker Rominger and brother, Harold Walker Jr. (Sonny), she grew up on a farm in Floweree, Montana.  Growing up during the Great Depression made Kay as tough as nails.  She attended grade school in Floweree and went on to high school in Fort Benton.  Obtaining her GED in the 1970’s was one of her greatest accomplishments. 

After World War II and her sweetheart Jerome Wiley from Floweree came home, they were married.   With this union came five children, Janice, Patrick, Kelly, Randy and Casey.   Kay was the mail carrier in the Floweree area in the late 50’s until 1964, when the family moved to Cascade to operate a cattle ranch.  Kay and Jerome divorced in 1969 and Kay moved to Great Falls, opened a cleaning business and purchased rental property, becoming a landlord.

Kay and Bill Chafin Sr. were married in 1978 and joining the family was Bill Chafin Jr.  They later divorced.  Kay spent countless summers helping out during harvest on the farm and making sure her yard and garden were in immaculate condition.

Proceeding Kay in death were her parents, sister, brother and son, Kelly.  Survivors are Janice Johnson and grandson, Aaron (Stephine) Johnson, Pat, Randy (Jan) Wiley and grandson Colton, Casey (Cheryl) and granddaughter Elizabeth (Josh) Bell and Kendra (Andrew) Long, Bill Jr. (Brenda) Chafin,  grandchildren Seneca (Bobi) Wiley, Krystal (Al) Rodgers, and Kacina; great-grandchildren, Levi, Casey, and Trevor Johnson, Desiree (Ty) Vinson, Alexis, Sierra and Madison Wiley, Kaitlyn and Gabriel Long, Noah Bell, Jacob Wallace and Dante Rodger, Kelsier and Kayli; great-great-grandchildren, Lane and Rhett Vinson and Joc Johnson with one more on the way. 

Kay was a very special lady that will be missed by her loving family.

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