Kay Putnam died Jan. 5, 2005, at the Vashon Community Care Center. She was 91 years old.

She was born on Dec. 17, 1913, in Yakima, Wash., and grew up in Seattle.

She married Otis “Put” Putnam in 1929. He and two sisters and a brother died earlier.

The Putnams came to Vashon in 1939, and except for a few years when Put’s job took them off Island, they spent their lives on Vashon, their favorite place. Always enjoying change, they bought homes, landscaped the grounds, and looked for their next projects, living in turn at seven homes on the Island and two off Island.

Mrs. Putnam spent many years as an active volunteer in community activities, including Granny’s Attic and the Garden Club. She loved gardening, beachcombing and working on art projects. She always thought the best of others and inspired optimism in those around her.

Survivors include her children, son Keith and his wife Martha Putnam of Vashon, Greg and his wife Maggie Putnam of Ravensdale and daughter Kathy and her husband Ken Myers of Seattle; nine grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

The family would like to express their gratitude to all of her caregivers at VCCC and at Loving Family Home Care.

A family memorial celebration of her life is planned for later.