Chase

It is with sadness that we want to inform you that Kay Chase, our mother and “Gammie,” passed away on Aug. 29, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona, after a courageous and difficult battle with cancer. Kay would have been 75 years old on Sept. 29 and hoped to celebrate her birthday on Maui with her family.

Kay E. Chase was born in Lexington, NE, in 1937 and moved with her parents, Dwain and Lewetta Russell, to Bakersfield, CA, in 1953, where she attended high school and junior college. She married Jack Miller and gave birth to Jack and Jeff, who she later raised as a single mother after moving to Millbrae, CA, in 1962. A new opportunity for a career in the title and escrow business began with Stewart Title. Kay was then hired by Founder’s Title in1971, which she claimed was a “chance in a lifetime,” and started the company with seven employees. By 1973, she had 83 employees, and they were awarded for being the number one title and escrow company in the county. Kay was the first female title county manager in the State of California. She loved and cherished her employees and that time in her life.

In 1975, she and her new husband, Web Chase, vacationed on the island of Maui and fell in love with Hawaii. They vowed to move to Maui on New Year’s in 1976 and became permanent island residents on Dec. 29, 1977. In early 1979, they started their real estate brokerage, Chase N Rainbows Inc., and through the corporation started a vacation rental business for those people who purchased condominiums and had no one to help rent them. Kay and Web moved to Sun City, AZ, in 1998 to finally “retire” and enjoyed several great years continuing to host amazing dinner parties and exciting Sunday football game day parties with cherished friends. Kay was an amazing cook and fabulous hostess.

Kay was a devoted and lifetime member of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization), which promotes educational opportunities for women. She served on several chapters starting in Nebraska, California, Hawaii and finally in Phoenix. Her PEO sisterhood gave her so much support and enjoyment throughout her life.

Jeff and I have carried on the legacy of Chase N Rainbows since 1994 after purchasing the company from Kay and Web. Kay taught us so much about managing a business successfully and treating our employees like family. She will be remembered most for showing us the importance of nurturing friendships and relationships with family, and how it enriches our lives more than anything else. Kay loved her family and friends. “Aloha Oye” Mom, Gammie, and dear friend, “Until we meet again.”

Kay will be laid to rest at Kahi Maluhia Columbarium (645 Wainee St.) at Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, next to her beloved husband, Web, in Lahaina in October. Family and friends will gather to share fond memories thereafter. A celebration of her life will be held in Sun City on Nov. 10, 2012.

Jeff, Carly, Cody and I want to thank everyone for your support, prayers, help, phone calls, e-mails, cards and letters over the past few months. It has been a difficult journey, but Kay is at peace. We are content knowing she is resting happily in Heaven with her soul mate and best friend, Web, whom she missed terribly.