Kay Daves Obituary

Longtime Dove Creek, Colorado resident, Kay Avaline (Neeley) Daves, went to rest in the Comfort and Peace of her Savior's arms, on January 2nd, 2026, just 22 days short of her 85th birthday.

Kay was born in Cortez, Colorado on January 24th, 1941, to James Lawrence Neeley and Josephine Avaline (Amyx) Neeley.

She married rancher Donald Harold Goodall in 1957 and to that union was born 2 daughters.

After her divorce, Kay married Dove Creek farmer and miner, Floyd Marlin Daves, on August 29th,1964 and 2 sons soon followed. As a farmer's wife, Kay was self-sacrificing and would help in any way she could. She drove tractor, milked cows and hoed weeds from the bean fields while providing the inspiration for her family and crew who worked alongside her. Of course, she was quick to take the hardest jobs and come to the rescue of any who needed help, even going out of her way to kill a rattle snake that was moving in the direction of children playing in a nearby field.

Kay learned the value of hard work as a child by helping with apple harvest at the family orchard in the Lebanon area. She picked up her parent's love of horses and competed in area team Pony Express Races. Because of her small stature and small horse, she surprised many when she would cross the finish line first!

Kay was known in her family and community as a great cook and candy maker. It was a great day when you got to sample her delicious toffee and vinegar taffy.

Even while raising four children in Dove Creek, Kay was very Community minded and was an integral part of securing grants and opening up a Community Health Clinic. This was such a big undertaking, the Lieutenant Governor of Colorado had her speak at a convention so others could learn from her experience. She not only worked at the clinic but became an EMT and volunteer for the ambulance, as well as trained many others to become EMT's. She also volunteered at the Pioneer Senior Center. Many local residents recount the fun of various bus trips to different states that she organized.

After devoting herself to taking care of her husband Marlin, through his many health challenges, Kay suffered a speech debilitating stroke. She worked hard to regain as much as she could and amazingly kept that bright smile and sunny disposition throughout that daily challenge as well as numerous additional challenges to come. She surprised everyone with her unmatched work ethic to relearn to write and speak and did so with such grace and kindness to all who cared for her. Many referred to her as "Sweet Kay" and say they will miss those hand kisses she always gave.

She loved so fully, giving pieces of her life to family, friends and community. We all miss her but will see her again soon!

Kay is survived by her 4 children, Donna Kay Goodall Hernandez, Shara Michele Goodall Brumley, Marlin Dustin Daves and Michael Duane Daves and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is also survived by brothers, Byron, Cliff, Vaughan and Greg Neeley.

A private memorial will be held in her honor in the Loveland, CO area where she lived the last few years of her life surrounded by loving family.