Kathleen "Kae" Erb Byrd Gurnee was born on November 15, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York, to Lilburn and Barbara Sammis Erb. Her family lived in many places across the country, but music was always an important part of her life.

Kae began playing the violin at age four. She performed with the Atlanta, Reno, Anderson, and Muncie symphonies, the Whitewater Opera Company, and many smaller ensembles.

Kae also loved teaching. She taught hundreds of young violin students throughout her career, including 17 years at Arts Place in Portland, Indiana.

Kae studied violin performance at Indiana University Bloomington, where she met Barry Byrd. They married in the chapel on campus and had three children: Mark Byrd, Terri Byrd Gift (Bobby), and Jenny Byrd.

Later in life, Kae married Skip Gurnee, and they made their home in Fernley, Nevada. After his death, she returned to Indiana to be closer to her family.

Kae loved being a mother and grandmother. She was especially proud of her grandsons, Colton and Connor Gift, and loved cheering them on at their activities.

Kae was preceded in death by her son, Mark Byrd, and her parents, Barbara Sammis Erb and Lilburn Erb.

Kae will be remembered for her music, her teaching, her friendships, and the deep love she had for her family.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Thursday September 17th from 5:00 - 8:00 PM at Art's Place 131 East Walnut Street in Portland.  Baird-Freeman Funeral Home are handling the arrangements.  Memorials can be made to Golden Retriever Rescue, https://www.grrace.org in honor of Kae's retriever Topaz.  Online condolences at www.baird-freeman.com