Kathleen Ann Hovren

Kathleen "Kay" Ann James Hovren 1928 ~ 2014 Kathleen "Kay" Hovren passed away August 24, 2014, in Twin Falls Idaho. She was born December 2, 1928 in Kansas City, Missouri. Her father, Dr. Charles Hedges James, and mother, Ethel Summers James, arrived with her at the family home in Broadus, Montana before Christmas. Although Dr. James came from an established family in Virginia, he sought the life of a country doctor; Ethel was a teacher and later Postmaster in Broadus. Dr. James died when Kay was a toddler, and Kay was reared by her mother. While attending Montana State University in Bozeman, Kay met her husband to be, Vern Edward Hovren, a handsome Army Air Corps officer returning from WWII. Vern was a meteorologist during the war, and was a licensed architect in civilian life. Kay married Vern in Broadus on August 18, 1949. Together they moved into their new home in Challis, Idaho. In Challis, Vern and his family established Allied Builders Supply Co., a retail building supply and furniture business. After Vern's death in 1971, Kay managed Allied Builders until her retirement; the business remains in operation today. Even though Kay was a successful business person, her true interest was early childhood education. She was instrumental in establishing the Head Start program in Challis, which later became the Challis School District's kindergarten program. Kay was a kindergarten teacher, substitute elementary teacher and Sunday School teacher for many years. Kay was also an accomplished pianist, and for decades played piano every Sunday at the Community Church. As needed, Kay also played the piano for other churches and organizations in Custer County, and also taught piano lessons for many years. Some will remember that Kay also taught accordion lessons! Kay served on the Challis Library Board, Challis School District Board of Trustees, various Community Church boards and committees, was an enthusiastic 4-H instructor, Girl Scout leader, and member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Kay was perhaps most proud to be a Charter Member of Florence Chapter #79, Order of Eastern Star; she was their last surviving Charter Member. Through her life in Eastern Star, Kay held all offices within Florence Chapter, was the Worthy Grand Matron of the Order of Eastern Star in Idaho 1990-91, was Grand Organist of the Order of Eastern Star in Idaho, and was Grand Representative to New York. Kay was also proud to be a member of Daughters of the Nile. Kay loved to travel, whether to foreign countries, to the "4-Aces" cabin on Colson Creek, to picnics in the mountains with a myriad of close friends, or to Yellowstone Park. Some of Kay's most memorable trips were to Scotland, Alaska, Hawaii, and the antebellum homes in the South. Kay's desire for adventure, and her quick wit, will be missed by all who knew her. Kay is survived by her daughter Helen Cutler, her son Jim (Kimberley) Hovren, grandson Jim Cutler (with great-grandson Paysen Cutler), granddaughter Christina Cutler (with great-granddaughter Tessa Cutler), granddaughter Heather Hovren, and granddaughter Sarah (Gabe Matheney) Hovren (with great-granddaughter Alayah Matheney). Kay was preceded in death by an infant older brother, her parents and her husband. Mom loved children, valued education, was a champion for the underdog and hated injustice. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charities of your choice that embrace these values. Funeral services for Kay will be held Friday, September 5, 2014 at 1:00 PM at the Church of the Ascension Episcopal Church, 371 Eastland Dr. N., Twin Falls, Idaho, with Pastor Deb Seles officiating. Interment will be at the Challis Cemetery, Challis, Idaho on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 1:00 PM, with the Rev. Bob Perry officiating and with Eastern Star services. All services and arrangements are under the direction of Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home of Twin Falls Idaho. Those wishing to share memories and condolences may do so on Kay's memorial webpage at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com.