Carol Kay Major passed away March 30, 2024, at Luther Park Trinity Center in Des Moines, IA. Kay was born August 2, 1938, in Holstein, IA to Wendell H. Conover and Marian H. (Munz) Conover.
Kay is survived by her sisters Dorothy Johnston, Waconia, MN, and Kathryn Grell (Dennis) Altoona, IA, her sister-in-law Marie Conover, Lincoln, NE, and her brother, Marion Conover (Bonnie) Adel, IA and numerous nieces and nephews. Kay was preceded in death by her parents, husband William (Bill) V. Major, sister Shirley Rickard and brother Wendell D. Conover.
After graduating from Holstein High School, Kay attended Morningside College in Sioux City where she received her BA degree in teaching. Kay also received a Master of Science in Education degree from Drake University. Kay taught 35 years in the Des Moines Public School District to 4th, 5th, and 6th graders in regular classrooms and within self-contained classrooms teaching academically talented students. She served as assistant principal for part of her career. Kay ended her career teaching 4th graders at Des Moines Jefferson Elementary’s Traditional School. Following retirement Kay worked part-time at the Urbandale Library for several years.
Kay met Bill in Des Moines and they were married on July 23, 1961, in the Little Brown Church in Vale, Nashua, IA. They resided in Urbandale, IA their entire lives. Kay was especially interested in raising and showing Dandie Dinmont Terriers of which she received championships on four dogs. After her dog showing career, Kay and Bill graduated to rescue dogs of any breed and provided them with a loving home.
Kay and Bill also hosted foreign exchange students (eight in total) from Germany, Italy, France, Turkey and Hungary. They enjoyed providing each student with a loving home and a year of education at Urbandale High School.
The family will have a private interment at a later date. You may honor Kay’s memory by making a donation to the Animal Rescue League of Des Moines.
