Corvallis – Kaylin Verna Kesler Ray, age 69, passed away May 5, 2017 at her home. She was born February 8, 1948 in Fillmore, Utah, the first of three children born to David Otto Kesler and Helen Davies Kesler. For the first several years of her life, they made their home at Cove Fort. Mom has fond memories of reading storybooks with her mom, playing with cousins, riding bikes, getting her hair braided, and exploring. In 1957, the family moved to a cattle ranch in Phillipsburg, Montana. Kaylin had great memories of haying, riding horses and working cattle. Kaylin graduated from Granite High School where she was a Head Majorette and loved to play the guitar.
Kaylin married Richard “Ed” Spencer in 1968. Their 23 years together blessed them with five children: Jess (deceased), Sarah, Thomas, Daniel and Jenny, as well as several foster children that passed through their home. In 1998, she married Jonathon Ray adding more children and love to her life. They enjoyed 10 years together until his passing in 2008.
Kaylin attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah where she received her degree in Elementary Education. Kaylin’s love for each individual child is what set her apart. She was the best teacher and wasn’t afraid to do whatever it took to make learning fun and incorporated silly songs, dances and activities into her classes. Her students and their parents kept up with her, sending her notes years later. Over the years, she taught in Harrisburg, OR, Blackfoot, ID and spent the last 20 years of her career at Lone Rock, Elementary in Stevensville, Montana. She retired early to provide care for her aging parents whom she deeply loved.
Kaylin had a love for life and adventure. She would take the backroads on her way anywhere and loved to meet new people and try new things. She loved her Bitterroot Valley, loved gardening, and watching things grow. This included watching those around her grow, not just physically but spiritually.
Kaylin loved the gospel of Jesus Christ. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in many callings. She had the opportunity to serve in many leadership roles in their women’s organization. Kaylin always had love in her heart and service in her soul. In addition to church service, she volunteered for the domestic violence hotline in Hamilton. She provided small acts of service wherever she went, whether it was baby quilts for the hospital, groceries for a neighbor in need or taking friends to doctor’s appointments. She tried to exemplify Christ-Like service in everything she did.
Kaylin is survived by her children, Sarah (Drue) Russell of Idaho Falls, ID, Thomas (Sharla) Spencer of Drummond, MT, Daniel (Sara) Spencer of Rigby, ID, and Jenny Spencer of Missoula, MT as well as her grandchildren. Kaylin loved her grandkids and was happy to see most of them on her most recent trip through Montana and Idaho.
She was predeceased by her parents, David Otto and Helen Verna Kesler; infant son, Jess Spencer and infant grandson, Kolby Spencer.
Services were held Saturday, May 13, 2017 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Stevensville, Montana. Interment was at the Valley Cemetery in Drummond, MT. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that you just share an act of kindness with somebody each day. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.