Catherine "Cay" Humphrey

Catherine Ann "Cay" (Hammer) Humphrey, 93, passed away on Saturday, July 8, 2017 in Salem, Oregon. Cay was born November 24, 1923 in Atlantic, Iowa. She was the second of three children born to Catherine (Records) Hammer and Herbert Hildreth Hammer, Sr.

Cay attended school in Billings, Montana and graduated from Billings High School in 1940 where she was active in the O D Club and the Kinetic Club. After high school she worked as a secretary in Billings. She married the love of her life, Lt. Robert Jay (Bob) Humphrey on January 25, 1946, in Billings after he returned from active duty in the Navy during WWll. They had about four years together before he left for the Korean Conflict. He was a night fighter pilot and was shot down while bombing a Communist supply train in North Korea. Cay was devastated by his death but she carried on as all the other wives and families had to during war time.

She worked in Office Administration, Real Estate, and after her daughter was married she became a cook for ranch hands on ranches in Texas and Nevada. She was a wonderful cook and even won a prize for a recipe she created.

Cay loved the west, and southwest, played golf, was an accomplished swimmer and loved to go fishing. She played the piano beautifully, sang, danced, and taught her family to have rhythm and love music.

She was baptized and became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and was greatful to know she would be with her family again after death.

Cay supported the VFW, Boys Town, Nebraska, and St. Joseph's Indian School in Montana with many donations throughout the years.

She is survived by her daughter, Sandra Miles (David), Salem, Oregon, and step-son, Bill Cushman (Valerie), Dandridge, Tennessee. She has ten grandchildren: Caprice Daniels(Tommy), Chino Valley, Arizona, Greg Williams(Jodie), Gilbert, Arizona, Nicole Elsner, Eugene, Oregon, Ehren Elsner,(Kim) Keizer, Oregon, Noelle Hancock, Salem, Oregon, Richelle Potestio(Steve) Portland, Oregon, Lyzette Elsner, Scottsdale, Arizona, Ean Elsner, Eugene, Oregon,, Abriana Miles, Salem, Oregon, and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Cay is preceded in death by her spouse Bob Humphrey, June, 1952, brother, Herbert Hammer, Jr., August, 1990, brother, Frederick "Freddie" Hammer, May, 1999, mother, Catherine Hammer, October, 1979, and father, Herbert Hammer, Sr., May, 1985.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Willamette Valley Hospice, 1015 3rd St. NW, Salem, Oregon, 97304, or wvh.org.

A Memorial Service for Cay conducted by Bishop Ralph Taylor will be held Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 10:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints located at 862 45th Ave NE, Salem, Oregon. A reception for the family will be held in the Cultural Hall after the Memorial Service.