Priscilla "Kay" Woods

OBITUARY FOR PRISCILLA “KAY” WOODS

3/21/1942 – 8/31/2025

Priscilla “Kay” Woods was born to Arthur and Katherine Edna Scheidt in Fresno, California on March 21, 1942. She grew up among the fig groves of rural west Fresno, graduating from Central Union High School in 1960. She pursued further education at Baptist Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in San Antonio, TX; Fresno City College in Fresno, CA; State University of New York in Syracuse, NY; and Fresno State University in Fresno, CA. Kay obtained degrees in nursing (1963) and biology (about 1987).

Kay and Kenneth Woods were married in 1962. They lived in San Antonio in the early years of their marriage, and then moved back to Fresno. Kay and Ken welcomed baby Greg into their family in 1968, and baby Erin in 1971. Kay married Hilary Dustin in May 2016, although they had already been in a committed relationship for 35 years. Hilary and Kay cherished their time living together in Fresno, California; Trumansburg, New York; Bozeman, Montana; and for the last 23 years in Three Rivers, California.

Kay engaged life fully, always with concern for others. As a labor and delivery nurse she helped bring about 1,000 babies into the world. She advocated for peace, women’s empowerment and the environment as a western U.S. representative for the Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom; through involvement in the National Organization for Women; and as a multi-year Presbyterian Women delegate to the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women. In the 1990’s Kay traveled to India and Nepal for conferences on Women & Water, and served as water woman for a Native American-led Sun Dance for several years. She was an energetic member of the Three Rivers Community Presbyterian Church for over 20 years, singing in the choir, organizing yard & plant sales, participating in almost every available study group, and hosting taco and sandwich fellowship. 

Kay loved to explore new places, and was highly attuned to her surroundings. She passes on her unique vision of people and the world through thousands of intriguing and beautiful photographs, taken mostly with her iPhone. She exhibited her photographs with other artists in a number of Visalia and Exeter, California venues. Kay also leaves us many playful crocheted hats and other creations.

Kay inspired us with her spunk and determination as she grappled with numerous health challenges during the last several years of her life. Her death cannot be described as easy, but she was surrounded by compassionate caregivers and beloved family and friends at the time of her passing. She is survived by her wife Hilary Dustin; former husband Kenneth Woods; daughter Erin Kelly (husband Ron Kelly); son Greg Woods (companion Bonnie Beshwate); sister Kathleen Garrett; sister-in-law Soame Dustin (husband James Humphreys); sister-in-law Kris Walker (husband Michael Bissontz); grandchildren Jake, Makenna, Hero, and Nathan; and by many wonderful nieces, nephews, and their children.

We will always hold Kay close in our hearts for her buoyant, curious, open-hearted, determined spirit; her advocacy and activism; her artistry and adventures; and her love for us and the whole of Creation.

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