Katherine Jane Thueson

Katherine "Kathy" Jane Easton Thueson, age 83, passed away on October 8, 2025, at her home in Draper, Utah, after several days of her six children sitting vigil with her. Ever a morning person, Kathy completed her final to-do list while the world around her slept.

Kathy was born in Payson, Utah, on September 9, 1942, to Alexander and Ina Easton. At the time, Alex was on temporary assignment with a road survey crew, and he and his expecting wife, along with their young son Jim, relocated from Southern California for what was expected to be a short stay in southern Utah Valley. While Kathy was technically a Utah native, in spirit, attitude, and worldview, she became every bit a California girl.

Eighteen months after her birth, the Easton family returned to San Fernando, California, where Kathy spent her childhood and teenage years. She and her brother Jim shared a happy and active youth surrounded by friends from school, the neighborhood, and their church community. She graduated from San Fernando High School in 1960.

From an early age, Kathy loved reading, writing, and theater-but her true passion was music. Blessed with a beautiful voice and a natural understanding of how music worked, she found joy in singing anywhere and everywhere: at home, at church, with friends, and in school productions. Though she often wrestled with stage fright, her love of music always won out. For Kathy, music was her emotional and spiritual lifeblood-it offered joy, comfort, and a connection to the divine.

After a couple of semesters at a local junior college, Kathy followed her big brother Jim to Brigham Young University, her first move away from home. She enjoyed her studies, new friendships, and the BYU version of college life. She majored in Drama and English and completed additional coursework to earn her teaching credential.

After graduating from BYU, much to her parents' surprise, Kathy decided to move to Hawaii. She came across a newspaper ad recruiting teachers from the mainland and applied. Hired as an English and Drama teacher at Farrington High School in Honolulu, she found a room to rent through other teachers and, later that summer, boarded a plane to fly 2,400 miles into the middle of the Pacific. Considering how different the world was then, it was a remarkable act of courage for a young single woman to embark on such an adventure, alone and far from everyone she knew.

Though Kathy would never have described herself as brave, this decision was both courageous and transformative-it opened the chapter that would define the rest of her life.

She slipped into the rhythm of island life with ease. It was there that her path crossed with a playfully mischievous medical student and newly commissioned Army officer visiting Oahu from the mainland for an externship at Tripler Army Medical Center.

She first met John Miller Thueson, from Murray, Utah, at a church activity. John was struck speechless at the sight of the tall blonde in the white and pink muumuu. After collecting himself, he mustered the courage to ask her out. From that day on, they spent as much time together as possible until John had to return to Utah to finish medical school. Their relationship continued through frequent letters, and during a surprise visit, John proposed. Kathy said yes.

They were married on June 9, 1969, in the Salt Lake Temple, beginning a partnership that would last over 55 years.

Together, Kathy and John built a life devoted to faith, service, and family. They raised six children-Chad (Wendy), Kelli, Burk, Shane (Brieann), Lindsay (Mike), and Jeremy (Ashley)-and taught by quiet example what love and sacrifice truly look like.

Kathy's selflessness was constant and unwavering. She gave freely of her time, talents, and patience, often managing the home and family while John's medical career and church responsibilities demanded long hours away.

She lived in places she might not have chosen for herself-El Paso, Texas; Blackfoot, Idaho (though she made lifelong friends there and loved the people); and beyond-but wherever she was, she made it home. Gratitude, humility, and service were her compass. She didn't complain or seek attention; she simply did what needed to be done with grace and quiet strength.

Kathy was a woman of rare sensitivity. She was drawn to animals of every kind and formed effortless connections with them. Animals trusted her instinctively, sensing her calm, authentic kindness. While dogs were tolerated in the home, cats were her true spirit animals. Dozens of cats shared her life (and lap) over the years, each one treated as family.

Her faith in her Savior anchored her life. A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served faithfully in numerous callings, including Young Women's counselor, Ward Relief Society President, then Stake Relief Society President (while also serving as PTA President at Alta High School), medical missionary service in West Africa, and as a temple worker. But she found her greatest joy in music, especially as choir director of the Crescent 18th Ward. She would happily have served in that role the rest of her life, and beyond. It was a perfect fit for her.

Kathy made the best chocolate chip cookies. Facts. Though she could be reserved, her family and closest friends were blessed to witness her infrequent, spontaneous, uncontrollable laughing fits-no sweeter sound her children have ever heard.

Thoughtful, generous, and endlessly loving, Kathy didn't just make her home-Mom WAS home.

Her warmth, intuition, and love became the foundation on which her children were raised and continues to bless the generations that follow.

Kathy is survived by her six children, eighteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild on the way, as well as her cat, Magnum. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Thueson; her parents, Alexander and Ina Easton; her brother Jim and his wife Jacki; and her beloved cats, Whiff, Puff, Holly Meow Meow, Buttons, Boots, Daisy, Zipper, Pedito, Shadow, and Jethro.

A viewing will be held Monday, October 13, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the LDS chapel at 1617 E. 12700 S., Draper, Utah.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the same location, with a viewing prior from 11:30 to 12:30. The service will be livestreamed at https://evt.live/kathy-thueson Interment will follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. 10600 S., Sandy, Utah.