Kay Koontz Gillette, 63, a resident of Suffolk for nearly 40 years, released her physical body and was born into the spiritual world Saturday, Jan. 15, 2005. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all in the Tidewater community, Kay touched the lives of many with her enthusiasm for life. She was an outstanding musician and shared her gift of music with many at Suffolk Christian Church, Oakland Christian Church, and the wider community. In addition to her musical talents, she was gifted in teaching, tutoring, tennis and especially golf.

A native of Harrisonburg, Kay was predeceased by her parents, Fred and Janet Koontz, and her aunt, Eleanor (Giggi) Bradford.

Kay is survived by her husband of 40 years, Robert E. Gillette, her three children, Jennifer Miller and husband, Brian of Greenville, N.C., Jan Gillette of Witten, Germany, Greg Gillette of Ashland, Ore., one brother, Don Koontz of Harrisonburg and two grandchildren, Kate and Harrison Miller.

A 1963 Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Westhampton College, Kay was first employed by the National Aeronautic and Space Administration at Langley, and later taught mathematics at Henrico County Public Schools, Suffolk Public Schools and Nansemond- Suffolk Academy. She was a member of both the Driver Book Club and the Tuesday Afternoon Book Club for many years. Kay possessed a true passion for the game of golf. She was a one-time president and long-term member of Cedar Point Ladies Golf Association, a member of Suffolk Ladies Golf Association, and a member of Tidewater Ladies Golf Association. She played in the Tidewater Team matches, the Virginia State team matches and was a multiple Club Champion at Cedar Point Country Club’s Ladies Golf Association.

The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. both Monday, Jan. 17, 2005 and Tuesday, Jan. 18 at their home located at 431 North Main Street in Suffolk. A celebration of life will be held Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2005 at 2 p.m. at Oakland Christian Church by the Rev. Mark Burns and Rev. Robert Marr.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Accelerated Brain Cancer Cure (ABC2), a non-profit organization dedicated to research to find a cure for brain cancer at P.O. Box 33172, Farragut Station, Washington, D.C. 20033; or to make a contribution towards sponsoring the Kay Gillette Golf Classic, to be held April 29, 2005 at Nansemond-River Golf Club. The net proceeds from the tournament will be donated to ABC2. Contributions can be made to the Kay Gillette Golf Classic at 4949 Exeter Drive, Suffolk, Va. 23434.