Kaye Dakis Hansen

KAYE DAKIS HANSEN

1926-2015

A Greek family celebration like no other is occurring in heaven and on earth at the passing of our mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend Kaye (K-K-K Katie) Dakis Hansen.  Mom peacefully passed away at home on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 in the arms of a loving family.  She was born July 12, 1926 in Castle Gate, Utah to Greek immigrants Mike N. and Athena Valavanis Dakis and one of seven children.  Mom began life as a coal miner’s daughter in Carbon County, Utah.  Following a short period of time with her family in Greece, the Dakis family moved to Salt Lake City.  A member of the Greek Orthodox Church; she sang in the Choir and taught English.  She graduated from Bryant Junior, West High and LDS Business School before meeting the love of her life, Merlin Albert Hansen, son of Aaron and Marva Hansen (Bountiful).  They married a year later on November 16, 1947, and then began welcoming their three children: Merlin David, Karen Ellen and Debra Kaye. In 1956 mom and dad chose to raise their family in Bountiful.  Katie was very active in Bountiful Community Church (BCC), PTA, teaching about Greece in her grandchildren’s classes, youth sports and Scouts.  She chaired Women’s Fellowship, Christian Ed and various committees and youth programs with Merlin at BCC.  She was a skilled bookkeeper, editor and receptionist and worked at Walker Bank, Deseret Book and Cudahy Meats.  Dad was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1994, passing away September 4, 1996.  Mom stayed in the family home for 9 years before combining households with Dave and Nannette’s family.  It was in that home that she continued to laugh, love, share and remember.  

Kaye was preceded in death by beloved husband Merlin, her parents, brothers Basil and George, sisters Patricia Cosola and Mary Tavey and many in-laws, nephews and nieces.  Kaye is survived by son Dr. M. David Hansen (Nannette, Bountiful), Karen Ellen Tyler (Reverend Ross, Indianapolis) and Debra Kaye Pope (Darwin, deceased, Bountiful), brother Mike N. Dakis (Arcata, California), sister Helen and Grant Ball (Newport Beach, California), eleven cherished grandchildren (Dr. Matthew David/Veronica, Benjamin, Joshua, Luke Freedom Hansen, Jessica/Scott Stallings, Jenny/Josh Minson . . . Heather Elaine/Christopher Benson, Ross Jr./Kathy Tyler, Rebecca Tyler. . . Amanda Kaye/Wes Woolley, Christopher/Ashley Pope) and thirteen great-grandchildren (Maya, Elijah David, Calista Hariclea, Madison Elaine, Halle Kaye, James, Vincent, Zane, Charleigh, Skylar, Payton, Shailynn, Kendalynn) as well as much loved sisters/brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins in Greece and friends far and near.

Memorial Services will be held Thursday, February 19, 2015, 11:00 a.m., Bountiful Community Church, 150 North 400 East, Bountiful. Friends may visit prior to services at 10:00-10:45 a.m. Interment at Bountiful City Cemetery. Services entrusted to Lindquist's Bountiful Mortuary.

Kaye’s family extend a special thanks to the great staff of Lakeview Hospital, North Canyon Care Center and Adagio Hospice (Jon, Rosemary, Sharlene, Shelly, Justin) for their professional and loving care and to her grandson Matthew (D.P.T) for his extra efforts and love through her rehab.  Mom and family also express special loving gratitude to her “third daughter” Nannette, who never left mom’s side throughout this final illness and was her constant and dedicated companion after dad’s passing.