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In Loving Memory of

Kay M. Stafford

March 9th, 1945 - July 30th, 2025

Obituary

Kay (Bowcutt) Stafford, 80, passed away and entered her final rest on July 30, 2025, after a lengthy illness, in Portland Oregon.

Kay was born on March 9, 1945, in Azusa, California (Los Angeles), beloved daughter to Maurine "Sunny" (Goad) Bowcutt and Leonard W. Bowcutt. The family later moved to Orange County where she attended Brea Olinda High in Brea, California.

On June 8, 1963, at the age of 18 she married her first husband Robert J. Barger, in Coeur d'Alene Idaho. They soon made their home in Corona, California where they raised two beautiful daughters, Tracy and Jennifer. They later divorced.

She built her career for many years as a deli Manager for Ralphs Grocery Stores.

She later met and married Will Stafford on March 10, 1990, in Modesto, California. They eventually relocated to Estacada, Oregon where they bought a house and settled in. Their union was filled with mutual love and support until Will's passing in 2003.

Kay was a woman with a deep faith. Her Christian beliefs were central to her identity and sustained her through life's many seasons.

In later years she was very active in her online community, where she was known for her strong personality, creative flair, and self-proclaimed title as the "Shabby Chic Queen". The had a distinct voice and a loyal following on Facebook by those who appreciated her style and spirit. Her life was uniquely her own. She left an undeniable imprint on those who knew and loved her. She will be remembered in many ways-with honesty and reflection-by those who shared in her amazing journey.

Kay is preceded in death by her husband Will Stafford (2003); her parents, Maurine (Goad) Bowcutt and Leonard W. Bowcutt; and her sisters Pamela (Bowcutt) Hall and Roberta "Bobby" Marlene Marshall.

She is survived by her daughters, Jennifer (Barger) Corner of Milwaukee, Oregon and Tracy (Barger) Richards of Corona, California; four grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Her stepchildren from her marriage to Will; Pam (Rod) Hunt, Gresham, Oregon; Laura (Philip) Garrett, Twin Falls, Idaho; Daren Stafford, Minnesota; 11 step grandchildren and many stepgreat grandchildren.

Kay and her husband, Will Stafford will be interred together at a Celebration of Life service to be held graveside on August 23rd 2025, at 11:00am at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Estacada, Oregon.


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Memorial Events

FUNERAL SERVICE

Date & Time Saturday 08/23/2025 at 11:00 AM

Address Mt. Zion Cemetery
31285 SE Currin Road
Estacada, 97023

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Memories & Tributes

I have spent many hours talking with Kay. She is my grandmother's niece. Cheri Shelton
Mamaw was a big part of my life—especially when I was little. She was my best friend, my grandma. She showed up to every school event and I stayed at her house all the time. I remember her being goofy with me when I was a kid, making me laugh and just being fun in her own way. Those memories are small, but they’ve stuck with me, even as we drifted apart.

She loved flowers and gardening—back when her body would still let her. She’d spend time outside, digging in the dirt, surrounded by color and life. I think that was when she was happiest—when she could still move freely and be connected to something beautiful and growing.

But as time went on, things got harder. The fibromyalgia, the dementia… they wore her down. And as the illness took over, she started changing. She became mean, pushed people away, said things that hurt. It was hard to watch. Hard to understand. She ended up alone—not because people didn’t love her, but because the person she used to be just slowly disappeared.

And now, she’s gone. And honestly… part of me is just relieved that her suffering is ended. She’s been stuck in a body and mind that didn’t treat her kindly. No one deserves to live that way forever.

Even though things were complicated—really complicated— I still hope that somewhere, the version of her I remember from my childhood is free again.
No pain. No confusion. Just peace.

I have two of her great granddaughters, one of which she never met.

Goodbye, Mamaw. I hope wherever you are, there are flowers.
Savannah Corner
Kay was a woman with a unique spirit—her laughter and quirky sense of humor were truly one of a kind, something only those closest to her could appreciate. Though life took us on different paths for many years, the love we shared was never far away. I am grateful for the moments we found to reconnect and for the bond that remained between us. Rest peacefully, Mom. You will always be in my heart. Tracy Richards

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