Kaye Francis (Klopfenstein) McKerchar, age 87, passed away on April 5, 2017 in Poulsbo, Washington joining her beloved husband Walt in heaven.

Kaye was born on October 27, 1929 in Tacoma, Washington. She was the third of four children born to Catherine and Frederick Klopfenstein.

In Tacoma, she attended local schools, including Annie Wright Seminary, and graduated from Stadium High School. She went on to attend several colleges, including Stephens College in Missouri, University of Puget Sound, and in 1955 graduated from Western Washington College (now University) with an Education Degree. It was at University of Puget Sound that she met and married John Jennings in 1951. They had one child, Patrick “Rick” Jennings in June 1952.

After returning to college and completing her degree in 1955, Kaye taught for over twenty years in the Highline School District. During this time, she met and married Dave Jennings, who was the primary paternal person for Rick.

In 1975, Kaye took a sabbatical from teaching to obtain her Master’s in Education. During that time, she met Walter McKerchar in Burien, where they were married in 1977. Shortly after, the couple moved to Poulsbo. There they built two houses that each had great views of Hood Canal. Frequently they would see a submarine passing by.

As Walt spent time in the electromagnetic business, he and Kaye did much traveling, both in and out of the country. Kaye had many great memories of the places they visited and people they met.

In addition to spending time traveling, Kaye was greatly involved in helping people in the North Kitsap community. She was very proud that she could help those less fortunate through her involvement in organizations such as North Kitsap Fishline, Central Kitsap Foodbank, and Cancer Society Shop in Silverdale. She was also dedicated to helping people through her church by setting up thrift shops and helping a refugee family get established.

Faith was very important to Kaye. In addition to being a regular attender and involved at St. Antony’s, she started Bible studies at her home. This Bible Study continued to meet faithfully when Kaye moved into assisted living.

One of Kaye’s greatest loves was gardening. She constantly worked on making beautiful yards and gardens whenever she could.

Kaye was preceded in death by both of her parents and her sister Elizabeth (Bettie) Fitterer. Her brother, Mac Klopfenstein, died during World War II while piloting an aircraft. She is survived by her sister Karen (Michael) Gee of Cle Elum, Washington and her son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Judy Jennings of Richland, Washington. Kaye has two grandchildren and five great grandchildren, along with many loving nieces and nephews.

Kaye’s family is especially grateful for the wonderful friends who visited her. The family also appreciated the care and attention she received at Martha and Mary in Poulsbo.

There will be a celebration of her life on Sunday, May 21 ,2017 starting at 4:00 pm at St. Antony of Egypt Episcopal Church in Silverdale, Washington. Memorials can be sent to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center at PO Box 19024 Seattle, WA 98109.

Arrangements are under care of Cook Family Funeral Home on Bainbridge Island.