Kathryn Olness

Kathryn “Kay” Ann Olness, 81, of Billings, Montana, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026. Kay was born February 1, 1945, in Sacramento, California, to Kermit and Elaine Eckley. While Kermit was away in Germany, five-month-old Kay and her mother, Elaine, moved to Lewistown, Montana to live with Kermit’s family, whom Elaine had never met. The reunited family later moved to Sidney, Montana. When Kay was 15, her parents purchased a small farm. Kay shared fond memories of picking corn and selling it to the local grocery store, milking their cow, Queenie, and caring for the pigs alongside her sisters, Jami and Susan, and their brother, Mike.

Kay met the love of her life, Ernie, in 1960, and they were married on June 9, 1962, in Wolf Point, Montana. Together they built a life filled with love and family, welcoming two sons, “Little” Ernie and Brent, also affectionately known as “Pooh Bear.”

From 1964 to 1978, Kay and Ernie owned and operated a Kirby Vacuum business. In 1978 the family moved to Billings, Montana. Two years later, Kay and her sister Susan purchased Billings Sewing & Vac, which they proudly owned and operated for 23 years. Kay and Susan were an integral part of the sewing community in Billings, frequently hosting classes and events. Their passion for sewing and quilting also took them to conventions around the country and allowed them to travel the world.

After retiring, Kay devoted even more time and love to her family, especially her grandchildren, Brittany, Taylor, Jacob, and Megan, and her nephew “Little” Mike, his wife Kelly and their sons, Amir and Alex. Kay also enjoyed traveling with Ernie, attending Bridge tournaments around the country. A talented and dedicated player, Kay achieved the distinguished rank of Ruby Life Master. One of Kay and Ernie’s favorite destinations was Scottsdale, Arizona, where they later purchased a winter home.

Kay had many passions and hobbies including sewing, gardening, cooking, baking, shopping, investing in the stock market, reading, traveling, hummingbird watching, and an appreciation for style and design. Kay was her family’s biggest cheerleader, and wasn’t afraid to tell it how she saw it. She was savvy, sophisticated, fierce, and wise.

Kay loved her sisters wholeheartedly, and would frequently say, “There’s nothing like a sister.” Kay loved everyone in her family unconditionally and was the thread that wove everyone together.

Kay is survived by her loving husband, Ernie; her two sons, Ernie (Mary) and Brent (Helen); four grandchildren; sisters Jami (Scott) Livengood and Susan Root (Larry Thorne); and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her grandmother Eckley, her parents, Kermit and Elaine; her brother “Big” Mike; her brother-in-law Jim Root; and many beloved aunts and uncles. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on March 10, 2026 at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary in Billings, Montana. Memorials preferred to Alzheimer's Association.