Katherine Ruth Ivie Lukey died on May 24 in Tigard, Oregon. She was born in Kilgore, Texas, to parents Walter and Grace (McCoy) Ivie on Dec. 6, 1946. When Kathy was very young, her family resided in Kilgore, and later moved to Austin, Texas. Kathy had four siblings: brothers, Walter, Danny and Jerry; and a sister, Margaret. She left Austin to move to St Croix in 1968.
On St Croix, Kathy first found employment as a desk agent for Pan American Airlines. Later, she served for many years as a travel agent for Southerland Tours on St. Croix. As a travel agent, she would occasionally arrange travel details for celebrities as St Croix was a popular destination for many Hollywood luminaries including John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. One memorable client was Victor Borge. In the mid-1980s, Kathy went to work for the Hess Oil Refinery on St Croix.
She met Glenn W. Lukey in 1973. Kathy was registering for classes at the University of the Virgin Islands where Glenn was employed as a business manager. The two were married on St Croix on Nov. 3, 1973. She and her family enjoyed many years on St. Croix and wonderful hours of quality time together on the beach and the ocean. Kathy and Glenn sailed Hobie Cats and entered many local races. In 2003, Kathy and Glenn relocated to Oregon to be near their children and grandchildren.
Kathy will be remembered as a person who was very interested in being “in tune” with her body, mind and spirit. She practiced yoga and took great interest in health and fitness with the goal of establishing and maintaining overall wellness and balance. Kathy never smoked a cigarette or drank alcoholic beverages. Though not necessarily religious, she was certainly a spiritual person.
In the late 1980s, Kathy began to display symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Over the course of the last 30 years, Kathy faced each day with courage, resolve, enthusiasm and grace. Kathy lived fearlessly. She did not let the disease be in charge. Where many could have taken a path of surrender, defeat and self-pity, Kathy continuously adapted, graciously lived life without any complaint. Kathy was not ashamed or self-conscious about her disease and never let it stop her from continuing to do what she wanted to do. The way that Kathy managed her disease was truly inspiring and remarkable.
She will also be remembered for her generosity, acceptance of others, and for her open -mindedness. She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, sister and friend, and will be dearly missed.
Kathy absolutely loved reading books on her e-reader devices. Parkinson’s made holding books and turning pages very difficult. The Nook and Kindle were welcome inventions in Kathy’s life. Her favorite books to read were inspirational books, and accounts of near-death experiences and descriptions of heaven. Another favorite activity was just sitting quietly in the living room listening to music. Some of her favorite recording artists were Rod Stewart, Michael Buble, Chris Daughtry, and Josh Groban. She enjoyed television, too – especially “American Idol,” “The Voice” and “Turner Classics.”
Kathy always had dogs as part of her family on St Croix and wanted to continue that tradition. In Oregon Kathy and Glenn adopted a labrador/golden retriever mix named Gilbert. Kathy and Gilbert bonded immediately and deeply. Kathy was so happy to be able to take Gilbert for a walk in the park, even though she was confined to a transport chair.
Kathy is predeceased by her parents and a half-brother, Jerry Graham. Survivors include her husband of 39 years, Glenn W. Lukey; son, George Buder Lukey; daughter, Felicia Canfield; brothers: Walter Ivie and Danny Graham; sister, Margaret Nakadate; grandchildren: Rylin and Macaden “Mac” Lukey, and Adrian, Colin and Sterling Canfield. Kathy’s family on St Croix included her in-laws, Tom and Sandy Baldauf.
A celebration of Kathy’s life followed by a reception will take place in Skyline Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home Chapel, 4101 NW Skyline Blvd., Portland, Oregon, on Sunday, June 9.
Remembrances in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Croix Animal Welfare Center.