Today I have the sad duty to announce the passing of Kay Linaker, known to many as Mrs. Kate Phillips. I had the honor of knowing her through my association with the National Lum and Abner Society. She was guest of honor at three of the NLAS Conventions (1998, 2003 and 2005). "Miss Kate" as we generally called her in person and on the telephone was a supporting actress in Lum and Abner's TWO WEEKS TO LIVE. Those of you reading this, of course, remember her fondly for her multiple appearances in the series of Charlie Chan films. Then there were her two films with Jack Benny. Of course, those are but a few of her many screen roles.
She is also remembered as a gifted writer of screenplays for television and film. The low-budget film THE BLOB oozed from her typewriter, and numerous BONANZA episodes were her handiwork as well.
For many years, Miss Kate taught cinema arts at Keane College in New Hampshire, only retiring very recently (and I'm even certain she fully retired), and she likely held the record as being the senior member of the nation's collected college professors.
Please be thinking of her family at this time. Your prayers and thoughts are important as they mourn this loss. Kay Linaker - Mrs. Kate Phillips - "Miss Kate" - one of the most remarkable ladies I've ever met.











