Kay Alice Derra McDonald Halverson

In Loving Memory of Kay Alice Derra McDonald Halverson

Kay Alice Derra McDonald Halverson, age 82, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2026, in Mesa, Arizona.

Kay was born on August 12, 1943, in Omaha, Nebraska, to William Derra and Bernice Pickett Derra. From an early age, she possessed an extraordinary intelligence, curiosity, and warmth that would define the way she lived her life and the countless people she inspired.

In 1964, Kay married Ian McDonald. Together they made their home in Fargo, North Dakota, where they welcomed two children, Kimberley McDonald Nielsen and Scott McDonald. Although their marriage ended in 1976, they shared the joy of raising their family.

In 1983, Kay met the love of her life, William “Bill” Halverson. They were married in 1984 and began a wonderful adventure together that would span more than two decades. Their journey took them from Forest River, North Dakota, to Cromwell, Connecticut, then to Naples, Florida, Salem, Oregon, and finally to the beautiful community of Gold Canyon, Arizona, where Kay spent her remaining years surrounded by friends, family, and the desert landscape she loved.

Education was both Kay’s profession and her passion. She earned her Doctorate in Education and dedicated her career to improving the lives of children and families. She worked at Southeast Human Service Center in Fargo, the Connecticut State Department of Education, served as a professor at Florida Gulf Coast University, and concluded her distinguished career with the Oregon Department of Education. Throughout every position she held, Kay was respected for her expertise, compassion, and unwavering commitment to helping children reach their fullest potential.

Many North Dakotans also remember Kay as “Miss Kay” on the North Dakota version of Romper Room in 1968 and 1969, where she brought joy, encouragement, and smiles to countless young children.

Retirement did not slow Kay’s desire to serve others. She became a dedicated Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), giving a voice to children facing difficult circumstances. She developed lasting relationships with many of the children she represented and remained deeply committed to their well-being long after her official work was done.

Kay’s love of learning never faded. She was a gifted writer who continued taking writing classes throughout her life, right up until her final days. She published numerous articles and wrote essays and short stories that captured her experiences, treasured relationships, and unique perspective on life.

She embraced life with enthusiasm. Kay loved traveling, reading, playing bridge, attending plays and concerts, golfing, and spending time with friends. Earlier in life, she was an accomplished racquetball player, winning numerous championships and was inducted into the Racquetball Hall of Fame before discovering a love of golf in retirement. She believed life was meant to be experienced fully, and she found joy in every opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate.

During the last decade of her life, Kay shared a special friendship with Fred Walski. Together they traveled, attended concerts and special events, watched their favorite sports teams, went to church, and simply enjoyed life’s everyday moments. Their companionship brought Kay much happiness, laughter, and friendship, and Fred became a treasured part of her life.

Above all else, Kay cherished her family. She delighted in being an active part of her children’s lives and shared a unique and loving relationship with each of her grandchildren and her great-grandchild. Whether through frequent phone calls, handwritten notes, visits, or words of encouragement, she celebrated every accomplishment and milestone, making each member of her family feel deeply loved and supported.

Those who knew Kay will remember her remarkable beauty—she often looked decades younger than her age—as well as her sharp intellect, boundless kindness, generous spirit, infectious laugh, and genuine interest in others. Kay never met a stranger. She had an uncanny ability to make people feel welcome and important, remembered birthdays and milestones, and was often the first to celebrate another person’s success. Whether you had known her for decades or had just met her, she had a gift for making you feel seen, valued, and loved.

Kay wrote a poem entitled “No Black at My Funeral,” expressing her wish that her service be a celebration rather than a time of sorrow. She wanted those who loved her to gather in bright colors, share stories, laugh often, and remember a life lived with purpose, joy, compassion, and gratitude.

Kay is survived by her daughter, Kimberley (Paul) Nielsen; her son, Scott (Kaitie) McDonald; her grandchildren, Cady (Trevor) Horning, Mason (Cade) Doll, Lucas (Lexie) Nielsen, Noah (Sarah) Nielsen, Jaxon McDonald, Cameron McDonald, and Jaden McDonald; her beloved great-grandchild, Helios Horning; and her very special friend, Fred Walski. She also leaves behind many extended family members, dear friends, former colleagues, students, and countless lives she touched throughout her remarkable journey.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 2:30 P.M. at the Forest River Community Church, Forest River, ND.  Inurnment will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery, Forest River, ND. Family and friends are invited to join in honoring Kay’s life by sharing memories, laughter, and stories that celebrate the extraordinary woman she was. In keeping with Kay’s own wishes, as expressed in her poem “No Black at My Funeral,” guests are encouraged to wear bright, cheerful colors instead of black as together we celebrate a life beautifully and joyfully lived.

Kay leaves behind a legacy of love, learning, service, and unwavering devotion to family. Though she will be profoundly missed, her example will continue to inspire everyone fortunate enough to have known her. Her greatest gift was not only what she accomplished, but the love she gave so freely to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials to, Pinal Council for CASA/Foster (PCCI) at: https://pccinow.org