I started taking piano from Kathie sometime around six years old. I kept taking lessons until I was about 15. I suspect I won the bust of a famous composer for the most years of piano lessons, yet least talented musician to come out of Kathie's studio. That, or the award for most consecutive weeks of repeating the same songs that never got passed off. Piano wasn't my forte.
Sometime near the end of my illustrious piano lesson taking career, my mother asked why I kept taking lessons if I never passed off the songs. I didn't have a good answer for her at the time. I realized later that I just liked being around Kathie. While it was an expensive 30 minute chat that involved some intermittent piano playing, I wouldn't trade that time for anything. Kathie was something of a life coach for me. Yes, she taught piano, but it wasn't so much about the notes and the music. Kathie was about improving the individual.
When I was seven, Kathie was my Sunday School teacher in the primary. She gave us all marking pencils, made us open up the Book of Mormon and mark the different words and passages. I didn't realize it at the time, but she was instilling a love for the scriptures in a group of young, wiggly primary kids. I remember when we arrived at the book of Alma, she helped us make Moroni's title of liberty out of popsicle sticks and paper. In the coming years, Moroni, like Kathie, would always be someone to look up to in my life.
I continued taking piano lessons until my mother decided she was finished funding my weekly chat with Kathie. It was painful, but I quit piano and moved on. I still played in church and plunked at the notes, but the days of getting stickers for my successes were over. As life moved on, I served a mission and found myself playing the piano every week in church. There were several weeks where I left the congregation hanging in a train wreck of splattered notes, but for the most part, I got the job done. Upon arriving home, I called Kathie to find out how she was doing. We had a wonderful chat. She was very pleased that I was able to play on my mission. She mentioned that she probably should have focused more on piano performance with me than theory. I told her not to worry about it; she couldn't have pounded out the timing enough to get past my musical illiteracy.
Last year around this time I got married. Of course, I sent an invitation for the reception to Kathie. I didn't expect her to come at this point; she was getting pretty sick. We had our reception in Provo and the last person I expected to see there was Kathie, but there she was. She said she missed the open house in Northern Utah and so she made Ray drive her down to Provo. I appreciated that about Kathie. She made every effort to show you she cared about you and your life. She went out of her way to show love.
At Christmas I found myself near South Weber, caught up in an array of parties and family. I stopped at a grocery store amid the Christmas rush and ran into Ray. He sad Kathie would sure love to see me. I went to say hello. I knew I was also going to say goodbye. She spoke softly and much of her strength was gone. Physically, she wasn't the teacher that used to sit forward in her chair next to the piano. This time, we didn't talk about posture or rolling the notes. We just reminisced. She was the same Kathie she had always been. The Kathie I had loved to sit with at the piano bench and plunk away at the pages. I left with my hands full of treats and my heart full of gratitude to know such a Christ-like individual.
Today I played the hymns in a little Spanish branch in Washington, D.C. I missed all sorts of sharps and I probably didn't roll my wrists at the end of the notes. I never was much of a piano player. But that's not really what a learned from Kathie anyway.
Ben Petersen
Story Teller
My favorite memory of Kathie was a recent one. A few months ago several ladies got the opportunity to visit with Kathie while we helped her put her scrap book pages together. One of her wishes were to be able to have those precious pages for her children to have after her passing. As Kathie divided the photos into separate piles for each child she would tell her favorite stories. All of them were told with love and compassion for her dear children and grandchildren. She was ill at that time but still she smiled as she picked up a photo to have it placed on the page. Each and every photo brought back a wonderful memory for her, of her life and family. When I look back at that experience I realized just how much joy that must have brought Kathie. To be able to bring back all those precious thoughts and memories just before her passing. A flooding of her wonderful experiences that she had had with her loved ones.
Also, for many years it has been comforting to know that Kathie would be sitting at the piano or the organ playing for the church. She was always there to play as our children were baptized or had a special program to perform. She was comfortable and always willing to help. She was there many times when Our wonderful family memories were being created. As neighbors, ward members and friends we send our condolences and love to Ray and the children.
Thanks for everything.
Brad and Sharon Rich and family.
Motherly Teacher
I have been in the same ward as Kathie my whole life. When she was a nursery leader, someone brought grapes for the treat (without cutting them in half) and I was too small to swallow them. I was choking on them and she saved my life. I don't remember this actual event, but I remember her telling me this story one day years later when I was in her studio during less
ons and I remember her crying and giving me a big hug. I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for her.
She always knew how to make positive of a sad situation. One day I was visiting her after she shaved her head the first time and I remember her telling me about how her hair was falling out from her cancer treatments so they cut it short and it was so itchy and terrible and she couldn't stand it so she said, "To heck with this!! Just shave it clean off!!!" I remember her referring to her wig as if it were her worst enemy. She hated it and named it Stacie or something I cant quite remember what it was, but I do remember laughing really hard and it helped me feel more comfortable around her because it was the first time I had seen her bald! It was such a shock and I was afraid I would make her feel bad, but she broke the tension for everyone and joked about herself. I am so thankful for her optimistic attitude and how she was always thinking of others comfort above her own.
I also took piano lessons from Kathie until she first was diagnosed with cancer. Although I was not as talented or driven as my older sister in piano, she was always patient and fun. She was a great woman and developed my love for music. She always new how to keep me in check. When I would cheat and not do my practicing she would always call my bluff. There was no fooling Kathie. I remember her always hounding me to keep my hands rounded like I was holding a ball and not lay my fingers lazily on the piano. She helped me to overcome my stage fright and perform for a crowd and gain confidence as a young awkward girl. She will be missed.
I also remember her taking me upstairs one day after my lesson and showing me the pictures of all her children hung on the wall and telling me something about each of them. You could tell she had so much love for them. When she got to the picture of Heather, she paused and told me about the beautiful daughter who was with Heavenly Father now. She bore her testimony to me of forever families and how she is so grateful that she will be able to be with her baby girl again someday. I am sure her and Heather are having a joyful reunion.
The last time I spoke with Kathie was a few months ago right after sacrament meeting. I knew of her declining health and I was nervous to approach her because I didn't think she would want to waste her precious energy talking to me. But Kathie sensed this and as I passed her she called out to me and said she wanted to check up on me and see how I was doing while she could still remember who I even was. I told her about school and my other high school activities and she seemed like she genuinely cared about what was going on in my life even though I felt they should be the least of her interests. I was so touched that she thought to call out to me that Sunday. She was a wonderful mother to all of her students and I will always remember the precious moments I shared with Kathie.
Love,
Erica Halverson
Our Sweet Child
I want to tell you some short stories about Kathie when she was just a little girl. She had not started school and I was the ward Relief Society President. I would take Kathie with me on short visits. Carol was left at home to tend, Chad. I visited a very young mother who needed some help. Her little house was clean but toys were everywhere. Kathie held my hand and we walked quietly home. At last, she spoke up, “Mama, I do hope you ordered them a broom.”
Kathie loved to play with her friends. One family had very little food and poor clothes. It was winter and they did not have any mittens. Kathie brought them home to our house one cold day and asked me if I would please make the children some mittens. I marveled at her faith in me. What to do? I found an old sweater, and with a paper pattern I held against the hem, cut several pair of nice warm mittens. I sewed them up the sides and across the tops. The little girls were so pleased. Kathie made them all some peanut butter sandwiches and they went off to play. I marveled at the charity of my little girl. The mother had to work. The father was an alcoholic who did his drinking in the closet so that his children would not see him drinking.
One day we took our little family out to eat dinner at Harmon’s on State Street. We sat in a booth that faced State Street and were in a party mood. Dinner was served and just as we started to eat, Kathie reminded us to bless the food. Humbled, we bowed our heads. Truly, “a little shall lead them.”
With Love,
Kathie's Mother and Father
A True Sister
The memory that races to my mind when I say my sister’s name is of an older sister taking me with her on errands and always buying me a “Golden Book”. I was the youngest in the family and so I am sure she was assigned to tend me or take me along but I never felt this way. She never made me feel like an assignment. Kathie would just have me come with her to the store and I always felt like she wanted me to be there. At this time, every grocery store would have an area with “Golden Books”. I loved to read and Kathie would treat me to buying one whenever she took me. These were happy memories of a sister reading me a book and giving me a treasure.
Desmond, Dan and I loved it when Kathie got a job and was earning some money. She spent it on us and took us to Arctic Circle for shakes. I guess we were a little spoilt and didn’t even realize it. We would pile into her car, I am remembering it being yellow, and off we would go.
When Kathie was dating Ray she had them enrolled in a cooking class. One class dealt with decorating Easter Eggs. I really got some delicious eggs that year. Being the youngest at home, Kathie was determined that I would get some fancy treats.
I went with Kathie and Ray to firesides. Kathie would play the piano beautifully and Ray would sing. It was wonderful! I wish I could have been a better piano student for her. I was stubborn and she was my sister so when she would ask me if I practiced I would just say “No”. When I got frustrated in our lesson I would just get up and say “I can’t do it!” . We both decided it would be better for us to be sisters and not piano student and teacher. I am so glad she went on to having other wonderful students who brought her great joy.
After she married Ray I have a fun memory of Kathie making Root beer. She made homemade root beer and put the bottles under their bed to store in their little home. They popped and exploded one night and we all had a good laugh about this one. I was always calling her through the years for her root beer recipe.
When I was in High School Kathie delivered Jason. Kathie was so happy to be a mother. She was so attentive and loving. She gave her two week notice and was thrilled to be home with her family.
All of their children have a special spot in my heart as I was the youngest and so I was there in the waiting room with Grandpa and Grandma when they were born. When Mark was born I heard his cry through the intercom. Each one came to a mother who loved them tenderly. Years later, we came into her home more when little Heather was born and needed extra care. This was a blessing that bonded us closer to each other.
Years later, when I married Bruce, I knew that I had made the right choice according to Ray and Kathie. Bruce is an accountant and a musician. When we would visit he would talk non-stop to Ray about work and then to Kathie all about music. They could talk about music forever. I think for the first time I was actually quiet and did not have much to say. I just enjoyed listening to them while playing with the children.
I was always proud of Kathie’s musical ability and her willingness to share her talent. She accompanied and played for many people who called and asked for her help. She was a wonderful teacher. My daughter Melanie remembers when she came to visit us in Texas, she said “Aunt Kathie sat at the piano and played the piano with me. I loved it when she taught me!” Kathie was very patient with Melanie and made her special practice cards. Later, when she was back in Utah she sent music back for the children to play. She was always a patient teacher.
When we would visit she would take the time to talk to Camille about her flute and Spencer about his Tenor Saxophone music. She was curious about the Texas Band program as she played in High School.
When I had my first child, Camille, I was very overwhelmed after my first c-section. Kathie knew about cesarean deliveries, as she had six of them, and that I would need some help. About three days after I was home there was a knock at my door. Kathie came with her children and they cleaned up my yard, mowed the lawn and left us dinner. She loved to serve. I think this was her favorite part of being Relief Society President. It was hard for her to receive as she shared with me that it was easier to give and serve.
Our move to Texas meant that I did not get to see my sweet sister as much but thank goodness for a family that believe in Bear Lake Reunions. Every year we would come and be together. Kathie loved parties and socials. One year she took my family to a fish pond where we were able to fish for the first time. Another year a swimming recreation area and of course her favorite---a parade. She loved to go to the parade every year. The best parade was in Kaysville and has become one of their family traditions. My children had the best time ever! Both Ray and Kathie always treated us with lots of fun! Ray would cook delicious dutch oven dinners and Kathie would entertain.
She loved children. She would take my children aside and show them her studio and the next thing I knew they all had the music theory reward prizes coming upstairs to take home. She knew how to talk to children and they loved her. Melanie became best friends with Aunt Kathie and Uncle Ray up at Bear Lake. Melanie said, “Another memory I have is when I convinced Aunt Kathie to come into the lake.. She dove in, then I splashed her and she splashed me back. We then went back to the beach.” Melanie would help Kathie with the grandbabies and visit.
When we would visit her home, she would take the time to talk to Camille about her flute and Spencer about his Tenor Saxophone music. She was curious about the Texas Band program as she played in High School. She had a gift with children.
Kathie and I would spend lots of time on the phone through the years. I would put on my head phones and just talk while cleaning the house. This last year she told me that she was at peace with dying. She said it would be us left behind that would have the hard time. She expressed a desire to see Desmond and raise and hold Heather again. She said she would miss her children and being there for her grandchildren. It was always the conversation of her children and grandchildren that brought her the most joy. She loved them coming to the home and she loved to entertain. I think of the times when the slip and slide was in the back yard, the fire crackers on the 4th of July, homemade root beer, the yearly Christmas Pageant and of course everyone dressing up and acting out the pageant.
When I learned that the last trip she wanted to take with her family was to Disneyland I was not surprised. She loved the children happy. She is a sweetheart.
I believe she is at peace now and finally free of the body that caused her so much pain. I am glad she is not suffering. I know that she is having her own family reunion with those who have gone before and if there are balloons and party favors she will be throwing a celebration party. I will miss her! I am grateful for our last conversation in which she told me not to cry. I loved that she was being my big sister and setting me straight. I know I will see her again and for this knowledge and belief in the next life I will be eternally grateful.
Love,
Her Baby Sister Renee Webb
Hat Party & Kathie Trivia
This is Mindi Smith from your parents ward, I have been thinking a lot about your family and your mom...but I wanted to send you this list that she made me for the hat shower we had for her about a year ago. She sent me this list in response to me asking her for some "Kathie trivia"?, we ended up typing the facts up and hanging them around the house. I think they are fun things you probably already know, but I wanted to still thought I should send! Love your mom so much- that hat shower was something that really has affected me, she was so kind for letting us do it - it was fun to see so many different people come together. I think it was a great experience for everyone involved. We are "new" to the ward (3 years) so I didn't know Kathie as well as others, but for some reason I really felt that I related to her...maybe that was a gift of hers- to make everyone feel that way! She's a special lady that has touched my heart for forever!
Love,
Mindi Smith
Some Kathie Trivia might be the following:
1) When I was small I would tell my Mom that we needed to be up because the birds were chirping.
2) My teacher wanted to advance me to the 4th grade when I was in the second grade.
3) I was in a hop scotch tournament in elementary and wanted to win so badly. However, throwing to No. 9 and missing it placed me in second place.
4) I loved being outside. I loved to roller skate, play tether ball, and four square and high jumping.
5) Playing with dolls was painful to me. (I owned a Chatty Kathie when I was younger.)
6) When we moved to Ogden when I was in the fifth grade, recess was jump rope (thread the needle, double dutch). I wondered what I had moved into.
7) I loved going to birthday parties and always asked to take home the left over gift paper.
8) One summer, going to ward movies, I would collect all of the sugar daddy wrapping papers off of the floor. You could send them in for giant "Sugar Daddy" suckers. I remember that we received four in the mail. My brothers and sisters enjoyed them on a family trip to Canada.
9) I have a few fears: water and darkness I think I took beginning swimming three or four times.
10) I love to teach.
11) I love being around children.
12) I usually have baloons at my home that make my grandchildren happy.
13) My Dad was an accountant at a bakery. He would bring home the left over Wilson Cake Decorating Books. My sister and I taught ourselves how to cake decorate my reading these books. I've done several wedding cakes for our families and three girls in the ward. I never charged but was happy to give of my service.
14) Someone once told me I was a stand-up comedian.
15) I interviewed with the C.I.A. back in Washington D. C.
16) My husband waited four years and two rings before we got married.
17) Paster pink, burgandy, etc. are my favorite colors.
18) I don't require alot out of life and I'm happy being home with my children and grandchildren.
Amazing Teacher
Kathie was such a wonderful friend to me in our Ogden UMTA Chapter. She was one of the first to welcome me aboard and help me to feel needed. She was also a super piano teacher, as I had the privilege of teaching one of her students. He was one of the most well-prepared transfer students I have ever had, and this is due to her amazing teaching! I'm so sad to see her leave us here on earth, but am equally happy to see her move ahead onto her next mission.
All my love and prayers,
Melanee Ardizzone
Wonderful Example
She was such a wonderful person. I met her through my associations with Utah Music Teachers Association. She was always happy and a pleasure to work with. When she came to our banquet last year to be honored, she touched my heart and made me want to live life better and make the most of each day. She was a wonderful example of goodness and belief in our Heavenly Father. Please know that my prayers are with your family.
With love,
Lynda C. Broadbent
A Dear Friend
Kathie was a wonderful neighbor and a dear friend. Kathie and her family moved in across the street from us 20 years ago. She was a happy and fun person to be around. Kathie had a great sense of humor; she could make a bad situation into one of life’s funniest experiences.
In the early nineties, I taught Polynesian dancing out of my home; my two daughters Kristin and Maile were in my classes. Kathie’s daughters Amy and Jenny were taking ballet at the time. Jenny was also taking dancing from me. We would show each other out daughter’s costumes and share the fun experiences we were having watching our daughters dance. She loved music and sharing her talent playing the piano.
Kathie was a beautiful pianist, she played for our ward and taught piano in her home. Kristin took piano from her for a few years and thoroughly enjoyed it. Kathie loved children and loved teachin ghtem how to play the piano. She always made it fun for the children, Kathie planned recitals and parties. Students and parents were very sad when she had to quit teaching due to the cancer she was fighting.
I served in the Young Women’s program with her, we were over the Beehives. The girls loved Kathie, she was warm, caring and fun to be with, and she always made us laugh. We enjoyed stories that she shared with us from her childhood. She had a strong testimony of the gospel; her lessons were spiritual and insightful.
I remember when my mother was having operations and needed to stay with my family for a few months. Kathie was there to help me. She would bring over food and always checked to see how we were doing. The thing that I appreciated the most was when I would come over and visit with my mother. My mother loved her visits, I am sure it brightened my mother’s days. I will always be grateful to Kathie for that extra caring and kindness.
I was teaching in the Children’s School up at W.S.U. I needed to leave early to go to work leaving Kristin and Maile before the school bus arrived. Kathie offered to let them come over to her house in the mornings. She took such good care of them. I fed them breakfast (cereal) before I took them over to her house. Nevertheless, Kathie would fix pancakes, waffles, etc. every morning. She would even read scriptures with them! Kristin and Maile loved going to Kathie’s house.
There was a special Mother/Daughter overnighter at our Stake cabin and Kathie helped with the cooking. She was right there with her daughters having a great time; again she had people around her laughing. She was always helping with church activities.
Kathie was on the committee for the Ward Christmas party. She was in charge of the entertainment. She wanted all the children to be involved so we had to collect wrapping paper rolls, enough for each child in the ward. She made them into Christmas flags for the children to parade around the gym while singing Christmas carols. It turned out amazing. Whatever Kathie volunteered for, you knew it was going to be amazing. She loved being involved and gave a 100% of herself.
Kathie served as our Relief Society President; she was so willing to help anyone who was in need. Our ward was blessed to have her serving in this calling.
Kathie volunteered to be the coordinator for the South Weber Days Little Miss Pageant. She did a beautiful job! The theme was based around Aladdin, Kathie was in charge of decorations, music and finding people to teach the dances to the children. It was quite the pageant; we had a lot of fun participating in it with our girls.
I remember one year she had a Christmas party for the neighborhood and cooked the entire meal with the help of Ray of course. She was a very good cook and loved cooking for others. I remember the dinner being very yummy; it was chicken and potatoes! Kathie was always trying to bring people together, whether it be family, neighbors, ward members or her piano students, she loved being with people.
We moved out of the neighborhood a few years ago. When I heard that Kathie had cancer, I and Kristin tried to visit her as often as we could. She was always upbeat and loved to talk about her family. She would tell us how her children were doing and all about her grandchildren. She loved her family and was very proud of them. When we were planning Maile’s wedding last March (2010), Maile and I had to visit Kathie and show her Maile’s bridal pictures. It meant so much to us that she came to Maile’s wedding reception; we knew she wasn’t well, but she still attended with her had wrapped in a scarf.
I do believe that the veil is thin and that Kathie is with her husband, children and grandchildren. She will be their personal Guardian Angel.
Kathie is one of those special people that blessed our lives and she will always have a special place in our hearts. We love you Kathie!
Love the Peters Family,
Marty, Kelly, Jared Kristin, and Maile
After hearing that Kathie had passed away today, I just had to sit down and write the thoughts and memories that I was having of our dear Kathie.
Love, Kelly Peters
UMTA Legacy Award
Kathy was an amazing lady. Anyone who knew her picked up on that very quickly. My favorite memories of her are at a couple of Utah Music Teachers Assoc. conferences. She was in charge of fund-raising for the MTNA foundation, and each day dressed up in some outfit determined to get attention for the foundation. She wore a over-sized fuzzy Uncle Sam red-white-and-blue hat one day, and dressed as the Statue of Liberty another day. She was effective in gaining most people's attention, and raised money for the foundation. Anything Kathy did, she did with exuberance, gusto, and energy. And always her warm, wonderful smile and sparkling eyes. No one could be around Kathy for long without absorbing her energy. She had plenty to spare, and did so willingly and lovingly. Thank you for sharing your mother with us - she was a great lady, and touched many lives with her music, teaching, and simply by associating with us.
Last fall, it was an easy choice to select Kathy as a recipient of the Utah MTA Legacy Award. She exemplified what the award stands for - service above and beyond the call of duty. Her example in service in several chapters over the years, her energy as Foundation Chair, and her love for her music and her students are the perfect example of a Legacy teacher. We loved her greatly, and that love was returned, possibly even greater. Our love is with her family now, as you learn how to live without your mother close by. She has taught you well, and there is no doubt in my mind that when needed, you will feel her presence, and even hear loving, wise words spoken by the voice you love and already miss. In my last conversation with her, at the end of the UMTA Banquet in November, one of her comments was "God Lives!" One of the simplest testimonies I've ever heard, and yet probably the strongest.
Much Love,
Coila Robinson
Neighborhood Mom
Your mom is one of the most genuinely sweet people I have been blessed to know. I was telling Kristin today how she was the neighborhood mom. Your family is amazing and everyone loves you and your mom.
- Maile Peters Bassett
She has touched my life so much and I am so greatful for all she has done for my family and I. I remember going over to your house in the mornings before catc...hing the school bus and she would make amazing pan cakes or cinnamon rolls for me and Maile then have us read the scriptures with the pictures haha Ill never forget that and will forever be greatful for having the chance of getting to know her.
-Kristin Lynn Peters
Full of Energy
My favorite memory (hard to choose since there's so many good ones) of her occurred when I was a laurel in the Yw. We had an exercise mutual night and around that time the craze was Taebo. All the girls were just kind of going through the motions, then in waltz-kicked your mom! I can still picture her once again and truly always lighting up any activity she was involved in! I was lucky to have her in my life!!
- Ashley Head
Just a Little Sin
Kathie was always smiling and cracking jokes! One of the funniest things I remember was during a testimony meeting when Kathie got up and told about a particularly frustrating day. She was so frustrated that she wanted to sin a little.. no, she wanted to sin a lot... so she had a Diet Coke. That was the most sinful thing she could think of to do. Looking back on her testimony, as a now regular Diet Coke drinker, I think does that really even count?? But the real testimony was her faithfulness. She was always willing to serve and help others. She was even willing to endure several years of piano lessons with the most uncoordinated kid (me) and still talk to me later! She raised such a fabulous fam with kids who know how to work hard and be good people. I love the Caldwells and will miss seeing Kathie and her friendly smile at the ward and in the front yard in the summers.
Love- Natalie Workman
A Sweet Angel
My main memories of her are when I'd come play or have sleep overs or take piano lessons from her, she was always so pleasant and SOFT VOICED and would take us anywhere we wanted to go. She always told us to be good. The very last words she said to me and my Mom was, "BE GOOD." I'll never forget that and I'll never forget her. She's a TRUE ANGEL. 
On our visit, my sweet little Benson boy with Down Syndrome looked at Kathie and crawled up into her lap, and hugged her so tight. He knew something and knew she needed a hug and that touched my heart so deeply. :) Kathie was so enthused at my 2 little babies and just couldn’t take her eyes off them. I will never forget the SWEET little grin she had on her face every time she looked up at me with those big beautiful child-like eyes. I could see through her eyes how very sweet and innocent and scared she is. (So close to the veil.) I love her so very much and will always strive to be a better person because of her AMAZING EXAMPLE of love, and most of all CHARITY. Love you all so much.
-Judy McKenzie
Master of Parties
Some of the fondest memories of my childhood were spent in the Caldwell home. Jenny has been one of my best friends since we were 6. Throughout elementary and high school it often felt like I spent more time there than I did in my own home. I was always welcome. Some of my favorite memories about Kathie revolved around the fun parties she always had planned for Jenny’s birthdays. She always had such fun games planned, games that I had never played and could not even dream up. One of my favorite parties she threw was the backwards birthday party where the guest showed up wearing backwards outfits and we did a backwards catwalk to model our party clothes. We ate dessert first, then the main dish, and then the salad. We also went on a backwards scavenger hunt handing out items instead of collecting them. This was one of the greatest parties of the century for us kids. There were many, many more fun parties all masterminded by Kathie. All of us girls absolutely loved her to pieces!
Another fond memory of Kathie was when we were in high school. I spent hours a day at the Caldwell’s working on homework, having sleepovers, and just hanging out. She always insisted on feeding me dinner while I was there, even if we were done and I was about to go home. I spent many meals at their dinner table. It was at the Caldwell’s that I learned to eat baked potatoes and green beans. Dinners at their house were so much fun and I remember sitting by Kathie as she joked around and everyone laughed. She has the most wonderful sense of humor. I have been so grateful to know this wonderful gracious woman. She has been a great example to me and I am grateful to her memory. I give all of my love to the Caldwell family and keep them in my thoughts and prayers. I am grateful that we will see her again on the other side and that families are united forever.
Love always,
Renee Frisby
Good Neighbor
Kathie is such a wonderful, caring person. When we moved in about 5 years ago, Kathie came right over with banana bread and a kind welcome to the neighborhood. Kathie was always sharing yummy things with us. One time she shared some of Rays turkey noodle soup. It was amazing and we were grateful for the thoughtfulness of them both
We had some great visits out in the yard with Kathie. She has a great sense of humor and was so funny.
I remember when Matthew was getting married and she was doing a bridal shower for Stephanie, she was so excited about the "funny" things they had planned. I told Kathie that day that she is the one that I would call when I was doing a party.
As a neighbor I always loved watching from across the street Kathie with her grandchildren. You could tell she loved them and they loved her. They were always having a great time in the yard swimming, playing, going on walks etc. There was always laughter heard across the street.
One year Kathie had Abbi and Cooper come over and choose gingerbread houses that her children had made. She said that they make these every year and started as young children. What a wonderful mother Kathie was.
Another memory of Kathie was watching her and her music students. In the summer they would be outside having a great time playing their instruments. They always were having a great time. I always wondered who was having more fun, Kathie or the students. We always loved to look across at the yard of the Caldwells because they have such a beautiful yard. They took such pride in it.
Kathie was always so giving to Abbi and Cooper. She was always getting prizes from the piano room for them. She was always so thoughtful of others. Kathie has had her struggles in life, but it always amazed me at how she was still so positive about things. Kathie will always be in our memories and will be missed by our family along with the others.
We Love You Kathie. Love Always, Jed, Melissa, Abbi, and Cooper Cowan
Pure Kindness
My first memory is that right after your family moved in it was Amy's birthday party and they were having a scavenger hunt. I was really excited because I was invited. Being in November and cold I was sad because I would have to miss the hunt. Kathie asked me to be her special helper and set up the other party stuff with her while the other kids were hunting. Not only that but she allowed me, a crazy driver, to bring my wheelchair into her brand new house. That was my favorite part because I have never had that happen before or since. Then for helping she gave me an eraser that looks like a little green book which I still have;)
Another memory is how Kathie made me a doll cake for one of my birthdays. It was a Barbie in the middle with a cake dress which was all white with flowers. I loved it!
I also remember how Kathie would buy some candy for her kids and then would let them sell it in their driveway out of a puppet show stand. I would sometimes buy some or help sell.
My mom remembers that when Kathie moved in and was in the Relief Society presidency she asked my mom if she could line up sisters to come every so often so my mom could get a break or some rest from taking care of me. My mom declined at the time but it really meant a lot to her.
I also remember how Kathie would buy some candy for her kids and then would let them sell it in their driveway out of a puppet show stand. I would sometimes buy some or help sell.
My mom remembers that when Kathie moved in and was in the Relief Society presidency she asked my mom if she could line up sisters to come every so often so my mom could get a break or some rest from taking care of me. My mom declined at the time but it really meant a lot to her.
~Elsha Stockseth
A Loving Servant
I don't even know where to begin to share my memories of Kathie as I write this through tears. I have admired her since the day your family moved to So. Weber. Noticing the patience and love she had for her children was inspiring. She took her job as a mother seriously.
I loved her as a Relief Society President. The time and love she gave to the sisters of the ward was amazing. I so appreciated all of her efforts from homemaking to her lessons.She was my visiting teacher for a short time, but she was a faithful visiting teacher and I knew she cared about and loved me.
My girls loved her so much as an advisor to them in Young Women's. The attention and listening ear she gave them will never be forgotten. They still talk about her to this day.
Piano: I will never be able to thank her enough for my girls' beautiful talents. It was absolutely amazing the time, money and effort she put into her piano studio. She made learning fun and she so wanted them to succeed at piano. No one will be able to compare to her teaching ability. I want to thank you as a family for giving her to us. I know there were a lot of your activities missed because of her dedication to her students.
I always appreciated her wit and humor. You could not be around Kathie and not laugh. It was always more funny because she didn't know she was saying anything funny.
Most importantly, she had a strong testimony of her Heavenly Father. You could see and feel it. She shared that testimony often and she lived the gospel. You could feel the spirit in her home and with her. She always fulfilled her callings 100% and did all that was asked of her.
She will leave behind a beautiful legacy to be proud of. The only comfort I can find in all this is that the Heavenly Choir must need her musical abilities more than we do.
I love her so much!
Shauna Takos
Childhood Memories
Aunt Kathie is one of the most kind, compassionate, loving, humorous, and fun aunts that the Lord made! She could (and would when deserved) rebuke betimes with sharpness, but she always returned again with abounding love and encouragement. She has enriched and blessed my life with her example and her love of music. I am sure that her willingness to share her talent is part of what pushed me toward the piano- and it has become one of the most satisfying and treasured parts of life now. Thank you Aunt Kathie- for all your teaching, loving, and your example!
Aunt Kathie always had the most fun ideas. One time, when we lived just two doors down from the Caldwell's in Sandy, Aunt Kathie organized a neighborhood sleepover/campout. I would guess that the average age of the "campers" was about 6 years old, but we ranged in age from about 4 to 9. Aunt Kathie lined us up on the side walk and we played Simon Said until each of us had a turn to be Simon. Then we all sat in a circle on her front lawn and she came out of the house with the most GIANT bowl of popcorn that I had ever seen. She sat down in the circle, with the popcorn and said that we were going to tell a story and if you held the big bowl of popcorn then you would pick up the story where the last camper left off. It was also the time that you could eat the popcorn, so the story became incredibly silly and was only partially understood because the story teller was eating popcorn at the same time! I just remember how much we were laughing. Then we snuck around the neighborhood to specific houses (that Aunt Kathie had pre-arranged) and we stuck plastic forks in the lawn- we thought we were so sly. It was one of the most fun sleepovers I've ever had.
As we got older, and after we had all moved away from Sandy, McKenna and I would spend a week at Aunt Kathie's and Amy and Jenny would come to our house for a week each summer. It was during one such week of fun, that McKenna and I experienced our first "make-over" party. Aunt Kathie spent the evening teaching Amy, Jenny, McKenna and I how to properly pluck our eyebrows (as she learned in secretary school), performing pedicures, and telling countless funny stories. Laughing was always an agenda item when spending time with the Caldwells.
- Chantry
Surrounded By Angels
I have had many moments of inspiration through music. Miracles and testimony builders continually remind me of the Lord’s love of me and His gratitude for me in being willing to serve through music.
Kathie Caldwell, a fellow piano teacher and friend, lost her little daughter to heart failure. She asked me to play for the funeral. There is no sadder funeral than that of a little child. My heart was heavy as I played the prelude and the opening hymn. Then Kathie got up and spoke at her own daughter’s funeral and it brought tears to everyone’s eyes, especially mine.
I had forgotten to bring tissues to the organ. My nose was dripping. Then I needed to play the closing hymn, “I Believe in Christ.” This was a new hymn in the new hymn book. I didn’t know it very well. It was a little harder to play and very long, with four verses. My crying had made it so I couldn’t see the music clearly. I needed a tissue to blow my nose. I couldn’t see how I could play this hymn. I said a silent prayer for help. The Spirit whispered to me, “Just keep your hands on the keyboard. Don’t take them off for anything.” I did put my hand on the keys and someone played the notes for me. I felt angels there playing the hymn using my hands.
- Debra Gamero
Rise and Shout
The memory that stands out to me the most of Kathie was girls camp. She always woke us up in the morning singing "Ra Ra Ra the Cougars are out" and armed with a spray bottle. We were quick to jump out of bed!! That chant still goes through my head & I'm not a BYU fan. :)
I don't remember if it was that same year or a different year at Girl's Camp, but Kathie bore her testimony & stated that when she was first put into the Young Women's she was intimidated by us and thanked us for loving & accepting her. When she said that I was SHOCKED! I loved having her as my Young Women's leader & couldn't believe she'd feel like that. Then I was put in as the Beehive leader in my own ward & those same feelings hit me! Serving in the Young Women's made me realize ALL the time and energy MY leaders did for me and I was so grateful for them & for their example. I told myself if they could do it so could I! I especially would think of Kathie & her testimony at Girls Camp when I would feel intimidated or worried as to whether or not the girls would like me & I would tell myself that maybe the girls I served felt the same way about me as I did for Kathie & that gave me the courage to serve with all my heart!
I was so blessed to have Kathie as my Young Women's leader and I am so grateful for her example, and for her love of life it really was contagious!
My heart goes out to her family!!
Love,
Kirsten Welch Knowles
Angels Around Us
Just over ten years ago, I was made the choir director in the South Weber 4th ward. I was scared to death because I had never done anything like that. I was doing my first Christmas program and the night before, I was a nervous wreck. I prayed and began to read the Ensign. Pres. Monson quoted a scripture: D&C 84:88..."I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up." This scripture gave me great comfort and I knew that everything was going to be okay.
I went to sacrament meeting the next day and I felt pretty calm. Kathie had been asked to give the opening prayer, and so she was sitting next to me on the stand. About half way through the sacrament, I noticed that my piano accompianist was not any where in sight. I became a bit alarmed. I had asked Kathy to do a small part on the organ with the choir and so she was still next to me on the stand. I told her of my concern. She told me to let her look at the music that the choir was performing (about 6 to 7 numbers). She told me that she could play for me if my accompianist didn't show up.
Kathie ended up playing the entire program for us and it was absolutely beautiful! Half of the choir didn't even know that we had a different accompianist! Kathie played amazingly and so calmly that she brought peace to my soul. Kathy was one of those "angels round about" me and I will never forget what she did for me, for our ward, and for God that day.
I love you, Kathie! Thanks so much for being an instrument in God's hands.
Sincerely,
Jolene Sjoblom
The Dr. Seuss Hat
I am a teacher in the Sandy area. For years Kathy made a difference in our Sandy Chapter. She was always vibrant and full of great ideas. However, the memory I have of her is at the state convention, or conference, as it is now billed. She was the state chairman of the MTNA Foundation. She wore a tall, striped Dr. Seuss hat and was enthusiastic "extrodinaire" about members contributing to the fund to help fellow musicians by buying raffle tickets for fun-filled baskets that chapters had contributed. Her example made me eager to buy many tickets.
-Beverly Jensen
-Beverly Jensen
An Emergency Phone Call
I have many fond memories of Kathie. Most of all, I have loved her sense of humor in every situation. It was always a pleasure to listen to her bear her testimony because she would always make us laugh. I especially remember one day years ago when she bore her testimony. Her parents were on their mission in England. She was having a hard day one day and just needed to talk to her Mom. Well, the phone bill from that conversation was tremendous. She took a minute during her testimony to inform Ray that there was a big phone bill and she was sorry about that, but she really needed to talk to her Mom. How could you ever get upset with her? I remember Rod going up to her after and giving her some money to put toward the phone bill.
I loved serving in the Relief Society Presidency with her. She was always compassionate and kind and had a genuine concern for all her sisters. And she always made us laugh.
She is a talented lady. I love the way she plays the piano. She has a beautiful touch. She is amazing.
I have learned much from Kathie over the years. I sure love her and appreciate all that she has done for me.
Hugs to Kathie,
Jan Tucker
