Kay Anne Pluta

Salinas - It's with great sadness and heavy hearts that Kay Anne Pluta age 76 passed away on Tuesday January 22, 2019 at Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula due to complications of her long battle with breast cancer.

Kay was born April 26, 1942 in Lindsay, CA in the Central Valley. She is preceded in death by her father, Carl Elder and mother, Velma Elder and brother Len Elder.

Kay grew up in the small Central Valley town of Porterville. She graduated Porterville High School in 1960. After high school, Kay enlisted into the Navy. Kay served 4 years in the Navy. In 1966, Kay moved to the Monterey Peninsula and started working at Continental Van Lines, Inc. and Wiley Transfer and Storage in Seaside, CA. It was there Kay would meet the love of her life and future husband Ron Pluta. Ron and Kay married in February 8, 1969. Shortly after getting married Ron and Kay opened their own moving company Bronco Van and Storage in 1972. Kay worked at Bronco Van and Storage during the beginning until she got pregnant with their first son Jeff. After his birth, she stayed at home to raise their family and second son Michael. Kay's love was her boys and all their sporting events growing up. She was their #1 cheerleader throughout little league, basketball, soccer, and Palma High School days. In Kay's later years, her 6 grandchildren were the love of her life and they are what motivated her everyday.

Kay's favorite past times included her tennis group of over 30 years at Chamisal Tennis Club and 10+ year golf group at Corral de Tierra Country Club. She also donated her time at The John Steinbeck House serving lunch.

She is survived by her lovely twin sister, Karen Hurst of Portland, Oregon. Her son(s), Jeff Pluta (Nina) and grandchildren, Luke (10), Grant (6), and Faith (6). Son Michael Pluta (Krystal) and grandchildren, Braxton (9), Bayler (7), and Bentley (5) all of Salinas. Kay has many nieces and nephews living in California, Oregon, Texas, and Nebraska.

We would like to thank Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula (CHOMP) and the ICU unit that took great care of Kay up to the last few minutes of her life. The ICU staffs hard work and patient care was a great relief to the whole family. Also, we would like to thank Dr. Nancy Rubin and Pacific Cancer Care for all the support and care during mom's journey with cancer.

A Rosary will be held on Friday February 8th, 2019 at 7:00 pm at Struve and Laporte Chapel, 41 West San Luis St., Salinas, CA. 93901.

A Memorial Mass to be held on Saturday February 9th, 2019 at 11:00 am at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 1 Railroad Ave., Spreckels, CA. 93962.

Memorial Donations in Kay's honor made to: Breast Cancer Action. They helped provide support on medication costs during cancer treatments.

Funeral Arrangements by Struve and Laporte Funeral Home.