Kay Livingston

Kay Livingston, EDD (Wagoner) December 30, 1942 July 28, 2025Dr. Livingston passed away following a brief illness in the company of her husband Roger Wagoner and children Jessica Wagoner and Gage Wagoner. Kay Livingston was an ardent feminist, dedicated educator, collector, parent, traveler, friend and lover. She grew up in Fairbury, Nebraska adopted daughter of Harold and Margaret (Friesen) Livingston. Kay married Roger Wagoner, her high school sweetheart, 61 years ago. After graduating from the University of Nebraska, Kay and Roger moved to Seattle, Washington.Kay received her Bachelor's Degree in education from the University of Nebraska; her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Washington; her Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology from Seattle Pacific University and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Seattle University. Kay taught in Seattle's public schools at the elementary and middle school levels.Her career ended as a school psychologist throughout the District.Kay was also active in early childhood education, creating preschools. She was a founding participant in one of Seattle's first alternative education programs in the University Heights Elementary School.Kay worked hard to find out about her birth. Eventually, she met her birth mother and then connected with her birth siblings. She maintained a close relationship with them, with visits, calls, social media and attending annual family reunions with many aunts, uncles, and cousins.Kay loved Mexico. She and Roger traveled extensively there. They owned a home in Puerto Vallarta for years. After retirement, Kay spent months in spring and fall in Vallarta. She had many friends there. She also adopted Mexican rescue dogs, who traveled with her to and from Vallarta and Seattle.Kay collected various items such as Seattle World's Fair memorabilia, antique glassware, furniture, and photographs. She was a prolific indoor gardener and an accomplished seamstress,making children's clothes, her own outfits, and even tailoring suits for Roger.Kay is survived by Roger, daughter Jessica, son Gage (Rebecca), granddaughter Lola, grandson Racer, and siblings Jay (Sandy), Clayton (Jeanna), Valerie (Ed) Conaway, and Marty (Chris) Elswick. A brother Marvin Rhodus and sister Joelene Conaway preceded her in death. A celebration of Kay's life is being planned for fall 2025. Kay supported many charities. Two favorites were animal shelters and the University Heights Center an historic Seattle elementary school building now operated by a nonprofit organization:(uheightscenter.org).Donations to UHeights or to the ASPCA or any animal shelter are excellent ways to honor Kay's life.Sign Kay's online Guest Book at obituaries.seattletimes.com

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