Kaye was born Jan. 15, 1940, to Avia and Billy Weyen. She shared her early years on the family farm with her sister Carlie, and later joined by younger sister Deb. Her childhood was filled with the adventures of farm life, playing with cousins, getting into a little mischief and even raising a pet deer. She attended school in Leland and graduated from Kendrick High School in 1958. It was there she formed friendships and memories that stayed with her throughout the years, and Kendrick remained the place she proudly called home for the rest of her life. Kaye passed away in the early hours of Friday, March 6, 2026, from complications of pancreatic cancer.

She married Gary Gertje on Sept. 7, 1957, during her senior year of high school. They had three sons, Rick, Bret and Gary. Her husband, Gary, passed away in 1961. On July 19, 1963, she married Wayne Harris. Together they built a life in Kendrick and welcomed their daughter, Shari. Wayne and Kaye raised their children and created a close family that would become the center of her life. Kaye also stayed busy running the office and doing the bookkeeping for their businesses: Fleming Truck and Equipment, Harris Auction Service and J-K Mini Storage.

Kaye had a warm, spirited personality and a natural ability to bring people together. She was lovingly known as “Honey” by many, a nickname that began because Wayne always called her that. Their nieces quickly picked up on it, and over time it became the name many in the family used, passing it down to their own children. It was a fitting name for someone whose kindness and care touched so many people.

She loved the community she called home and the friendships she built over a lifetime in her hometown. Many mornings were spent sharing coffee and laughter with her close group of friends, who affectionately referred to themselves as the “Menopause Mafia.” She enjoyed baking cookies, listening to Elvis, going on shopping trips, antiquing and cheering on the Seattle Seahawks and the Gonzaga Bulldogs.

Traveling was another joy she shared with Wayne, and over the years they took many memorable trips together. Kaye loved visiting the Oregon Coast and spending time in Hawaii, especially Maui, a destination she returned to several times. When their children were teenagers, the family spent many weekends boating at Dworshak.

Kaye’s greatest joy was her family, and she made it a priority to be present for the moments that mattered most. Whether it was a sporting event, school program, celebrating a birthday, graduation, wedding or holiday gathering, she was always there cheering from the sidelines or sitting proudly in the crowd. Time spent at the cabin in Cave Bay on Lake Coeur d’Alene was something Kaye treasured each summer. You could often find her sitting on the deck with a glass of wine, looking out over the water, watching the kids at the beach and visiting with family and neighbors while another game of cribbage waited on the table. Her beloved Westie, Rio, was never far from her side and faithfully followed her wherever she went.

Kaye is survived by her children Bret (Jill) Gertje, of Boise; Gary (Pam) Gertje, of St. Maries; and Shari (Ed) Pea, of Kendrick; daughter-in-law Joanne Gertje, of Kendrick; and her sister Deb (Dave) Klatt, of Kendrick; her grandchildren: Julia (Caleb) Proctor, of Deary; Kyle Pea, of Meridian, Idaho; Beth (Cody) Bogar, of Deary; Kayla Heen, of Bainville, Mont.; Mary (Brian) Stanek, of Florence, Mont.; Aaron (Stefanie) Gertje, of Argyle, Texas; Alyssa (Kendal) McMillen, of Santa, Idaho; Connor Gertje, of Copperas Cove, Texas; and Leighton (Krista) Gertje, of St. Maries and her 18 great-grandchildren: Hallie, Emma, Kenzie, Brooke, CJ, Hudson, Hughston, Kaydence, Owen, Olivia, Carson, Skylar, Shane, Trevin, Tenley, Mayley, Kayelie and Alice.

Kaye was preceded in death by her husbands, Gary Gertje and Wayne Harris; her son Rick; her grandson Brendon; her sister Carlie; and her parents Avia and Billy Weyen.

A viewing will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, March 16, at Malcom’s Brower-Wann Funeral Home, 1711 18th St., Lewiston. The memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 17, at the funeral home, followed by a graveside service at Lewis-Clark Memorial Gardens in Lewiston. A lunch will be provided at 12:30 p.m., at the Hells Canyon Grand Hotel Seaport Room, 621 21st St., Lewiston.

In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Kendrick Lions Club, P.O. Box 111, Kendrick, ID 83537, for the George Brocke Memorial Clock.

Service Information

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Tuesday, March 17, 11:00 AM

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Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home
1711 18th Street
Lewiston, ID 83501

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