Kelela "Kay" Likens Obituary (1923 - 2020)

Kelela Mae Likens, "Kay", peacefully passed away in her sleep on Sunday, January 19, 2020; she was 96 years old. Kay was born on May 20, 1923, in Crawford, Nebraska to Marie Lee Blackmer and William McKinnley Forbes. She attended Chadron State College but left early to marry her lifetime love since she was in grade school, Valore Likens, Jr. Together, they raised four children: Terri Lyons, Marilee Tucker, David Likens, and Jim Likens. Kay was a devoted mother, who loved making a home for her family and joyfully welcomed all who visited. Her outgoing personality and passion for involvement led her to spending time as a volunteer and member of many clubs. She was PTA president, spent time with her daughter's Girl Scout troops, a Cub Scout leader, sang in the church choir and volunteered with the American Legion throughout her entire life. In fact, Kay spent the final years of her work life as Val's secretary with the State American Legion office. They traveled all over the state for meetings, and all over the country, including Hawaii for its' National Conventions The two were blessed with 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Family meant the world to Kay, and she truly dedicated her time to ensuring everyone in her life was happy and cared for. She attended her children's and grandchildren's dance recitals, school plays, concerts, and so much more. As a devoted mother, she instilled a care-free and joy-for-life mentality on her family-members. No matter what was going on around her, Kay was always smiling, making others happy and could easily laugh for hours upon hours. Everyone who knew her could pick out her laugh from across the room and she would light up any room she walked into by making everyone feel at home. Kay and Val loved to dance, leaving memories with their kids of dancing to "Mack the Knife", "String of Pearls" and other Big Band favorites. They also maintained a correspondence and sent nearly 300 Christmas cards to their many friends, neighbors and relatives. When Kay wasn't spending time cheering her family on and giggling with her friends, she was collecting bells on road trips (adding to her massive collection), buying jellybeans for her grandchildren's favorite candy jar, or reading Guideposts or Reader's Digest on her favorite chair. Kay wasn't one to slow down, and maintained her zest for life throughout her 96 years. Kay was a very special woman who was loved by all of those blessed to have known her. She is going to be missed dearly and remembered daily. Kay is predeceased by her husband, parents, and her half brothers, Gary Pitzer and Larry Pitzer. She is survived by her daughters Terri and Marilee; sons (and wives), David (Susan) and Jim (Karen); grand-children: and great-grandchildren. Celebration of Life Saturday, February 15, 2020 11:00 AM 2/15/2020 11:00:00 AM Fellowship Community Church 8451 Eagle Crest Road Lincoln, NE 68505 Family receiving friends 1 hour prior Inurnment will be held at a future date to be determined Fellowship Community Church 8451 Eagle Crest Road Lincoln 68505 NE United States