Alberta "Kay" (Kokenge) DeLong Obituary (1963 - 2025)

Born Apr 05, 1963, Alberta "Kay" (Kokenge) DeLong attended Eisenhower High School in Yakima, WA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Alberta "kay" (kokenge) Delong.

Graduation Year	Class of 1981
Date of Birth	Apr 05, 1963
Date of Passing	Feb 04, 2025
About	Alberta "Kay" DeLong, aged 61, passed away after her hard-fought battle with ALS, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, on February 4th, 2025. Kay was born April 5th, 1963 in Yakima, Washington, to her father Albert Kokenge and her mother Mitzi Keegan. Kay grew up with four sisters - Elizabeth, Maria, Joanie, and Gina. Kay shared an incredibly loving and meaningful bond with all of her sisters. Her partner in crime and best friend since age 5 was Lisa Rider - you could find them causing both innocent fun and stories we can't publish due to their crazy endeavors. Kay grew up as a daughter of a master gardener, a tradition she continued throughout her life as a lover of all things outdoors and gardening. Growing up, one of Kay's favorite places to spend her time was at their family cabin off of the Chinook Pass where the entire family often gathered for countless holidays, birthdays, and long weekends that turned into weeks. After attending high school at both Carroll H.S. and Eisenhower, she spent her time traveling throughout Europe and received her Associates Degree at Yakima Valley Community College. Following her college years, she met and soon after married the love of her life - Rich DeLong, a talented musician and artist. It was in Yakima that Kay and Rich had and raised three beautiful daughters together - Rachel, Emily, and Olivia. While Kay never thought she'd marry or have children, she often reminded her kids of the phrase, "When you know, you know...". Kay worked in a few different fields throughout her life. Kay spent over a decade at the Deep Sea Deli, where she worked for her lifelong friend Theodore Klingele. Kay also prided herself as a "match maker" as she set up Theodore and her lifelong friend Beth, who are still happily married today. She also worked for many years at Windy Point Winery. Later in her life, she decided to get her realtor license where she thrived and took on a position at Windemere, and then Keller Williams to partner with her close friend, Cami Leonard. During this time period, Kay also worked at Over The Hedge Boutique along with her long-time dearest friend Kirsten Smith. Kay enjoyed the little things in life, and was truly known as the life of the party. Kay was the first to be found dancing on the dance floor or stealing the karaoke mic. Kay enjoyed her pleasant evenings sitting out on her porch while maybe sipping a beverage, admiring the skies and peaceful silence of the outdoors. In May of 2023, Kay was diagnosed with ALS, a muscle deterioration terminal illness. While Kay and her family knew her battle wouldn't be an easy one, the main goal was to keep Kay in the comfort of her home and out of a nursing home for as long as possible. With the help of her beloved niece Julie, her sisters, and her daughters, they were able to do so. Kay's smile was infectious and her unwavering love for her entire family will never be forgotten. Kay showed us all just how much one human can go through, all while keeping the brightest smile on her face. Until we are reunited again, we love you Mom.