Jay K. Littlefield

Jay Kenneth Littlefield, 80, of Sterling, Colorado passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 11, 2026. A celebration of Jay’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 19 at First Baptist Church in Sterling. The service will conclude at the church with a luncheon to follow in the church hall.

Jay was born April 1, 1946, in Sterling, Colorado, to Mary Elizabeth and Kenneth Littlefield. He was raised in New Raymer, Colorado, where his parents farmed and ranched, owned the local grocery store, and John Deere Implement dealership. Growing up in a hardworking family gave Jay a great deal of independence from an early age. He learned to work hard and take responsibility, driving a tractor and moving cattle before he was even six years old. Those early experiences shaped the man he would become--independent, determined, and always willing to work.

Jay attended school in New Raymer before transferring to Fort Morgan High School, where he played basketball. He was active in FFA. In 1964, Jay received national recognition for his involvement in FFA and his supervised ag experience. He was also a member of the Morgan High School Singers, a select singing group that reflected his lifelong love of music. Jay was an accomplished roper from a young age. During high school he won numerous roping events.

Shortly after high school, Jay married the love of his life, Linda (Headley), on August 14, 1964. He was just 18 years old. The newlyweds moved to Sterling after Jay received a basketball scholarship to Northeastern Junior College. It was not long, however, before Jay felt called in a different direction. That calling took him and Linda to Seattle, Washington, where he began preparing for a life in ministry.

Jay attended Northwest College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Theology, and continued his studies at Seattle Pacific University. He also served as an intern pastor at a local church. It was during their years in Seattle that Jay and Linda began their family, including 5 children.

Jay spent his life serving in ministry and counseling, pastoring and taking on various ministry roles in Washington, Colorado, California, Wyoming, Kansas, and Nebraska. He later earned his master’s degree in counseling from Fort Hays State University and became a Licensed Professional Counselor. Jay was an ordained minister for 55 years.

Service to others was not simply something Jay did, it was who he was.

He participated in mission trips to Jamaica and Haiti and worked with Food for the Poor. One of his most memorable adventures was a bicycle trip from Scottsbluff, Nebraska, to California to raise money for Food for the Poor. Jay planned the entire journey himself. Along the way, they stopped at churches to minister, sing, and share their faith.

In November 1988, Jay, Linda, and their family moved back to the family farm in New Raymer to help his father run the family ranch. During this time, Jay continued his counseling work throughout Northeastern Colorado.

While counseling at a small group home for boys, Jay saw firsthand the needs of children who were struggling and recognized an opportunity to make a greater difference. That vision led Jay and Linda to open Children’s Ark in Green Mountain Falls, Colorado, in 1994. The organization later expanded to Sterling and New Raymer and became known as Kids Ark.

For 17 years, the Littlefield family dedicated their lives to serving children considered at risk from communities across Colorado. Kids Ark ultimately served more than 1,500 children and employed more than 80 staff members. Many of those staff members became much more than employees, they became part of the Littlefield family.

Jay’s heart for people never diminished. Even after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, he continued to do counseling and preach. For the past eight years, he served as pastor at Holyoke Assembly of God, where the congregation became another family he loved deeply.

Music was another constant throughout Jay’s life. Jay and Linda recorded three albums together, with Jay writing many of the songs. Jay was very proud of his four children and spoke highly of them to others. He loved being with his grandchildren, playing basketball, attending and watching rodeo, baseball, hunting, fishing, beaches and his diet coke. He loved attending the Rose Bowl Parade on many occasions through the years. Jay had a witty sense of humor and a very healthy dose of sarcasm which made people laugh often.

Jay lived his life with a deep belief in the unconditional love of God. He believed people deserved grace, second chances, encouragement, and someone willing to stand beside them when life was difficult.

He lived a life of service. And he left this world better because he was in it.

Jay is survived by his wife of 62 years, Linda Littlefield; his children, Jeff Littlefield, Jaylyn (Greg) Edson, Jana (Tony) Welsh, and Jason Littlefield; his bonus son, Ralph Myers; 13 grandchildren, Ashley, Austin, Liana, Kayla, Madison, Trenton, Kaylee, Bryson, Mary, Paige, Carson, Brooks and Caden; 11 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Patricia Carter of Springfield, Missouri.

He also leaves behind his beloved best fur buddy, Cali, who held a very special place in his heart.

Jay was preceded in death by an infant son, his parents, in-laws and many dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holyoke Assembly of God, A Caring Pregnancy Center or Jay’s family.

The Littlefield family is grateful for your love, prayers, and support as they honor Jay’s life and memory.