Wednesday, January 17, 2018 6:58 pm
Kay Elizabeth Johnson Rusk, formerly of Decorah, passed away Dec. 16, 2017. She was at her home and surrounded by family.
Kay was born Jan. 15, 1958, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the youngest of five.
Kay left the UP for Mt. Hood, Ore. in 1976, working at the Timberline Lodge where she became a professional ski patroller. She also worked as the EMT for the Zig Zag Hot Shots, one of the first wildfire fighting units to include women in its ranks.
It was on Mt. Hood where Kay met her future husband, Dave Rusk. They moved to Steamboat Springs, Colo. in 1985, where Kay earned a coveted spot on the Steamboat Ski Patrol. Their first daughter, Mica, was born in1987.
In 1988, the young family moved to Estes Park, and then to Decorah in 1990, where Kay was a partner/driver for Home Town Taxi. Their second daughter, Madelyn, was born in 1993.
The family returned to Estes Park in 1996, working as resident managers at McGregor Mountain Lodge before taking various positions in the Estes School district.
Kay’s life was an example of overcoming obstacles as defined by the Finnish concept Sisu, meaning strength, courage, perseverance, the ability to over come adversity. Kay also had a strong faith and was a member of Rocky Mountain Evangelical Free Church.
Both faith and Sisu come into play with her struggle with cancer. In June, 2010,
Kay was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic melanoma cancer and was given a year to live. By 2015, Kay was cancer free, following a below-the-knee amputation. However, by September of 2017, the cancer found its way back and eventually took her life, but not her Spirit.
Kay is survived by her husband, Dave; her two daughters, Mica and Maddy; and her siblings: Dan, Marsha, Dave and Don.
Although Kay never had the opportunity to attend college, she emphasized the importance of education to her two daughters. To contribute to her daughters’ education fund, donations can be made online at youcaring.com/kayruskdaughters, or by mail to PO Box 187, Estes Park, CO 80517.
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