Kathleen Ann Edwards
1945 - 2020
Kathleen Ann Edwards, beloved friend, aunt and sister, passed away on Sunday, December 27th culminating a 5½ year fight with ovarian cancer and kidney disease. Her body was weak, but her spirit remained strong to the very end. Kathy was born on July 14, 1945 in Almeda, CA. She was welcomed by her parents: Robert Sherman and Helen Margaret Mussmann Edwards and older brother, Lawrence D. (Larry) Harty. Kathy later gained a forever sister and friend when Larry married Darlene (Dolly) LeVier Lund in 1999.
Kathy grew up in California with her family settling in Palmdale. She had many fond memories of time with grandparents, family camping trips, fishing, working on a friend's ranch in Oregon and playing competitive tennis.
Kathy came to Utah to attend college. She started at U of U but transferred to BYU where her life changed forever, following participation in a survival experience, when she chose to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Kathy received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Recreation Education and became certified as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. She devoted her entire career to supporting, serving, and advocating for individuals with disabilities. She worked for many years as the Recreation Director at the Utah State Training School (now Utah State Developmental Center) in American Fork. She started "RAH" (Recreation and Habilitation Services) in Provo, UT. The first program in our area to provide community based social, recreational and life enhancing opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. This is a legacy that continues today. Running and maintaining funding for a non-profit organization is not an easy task. Over the course of 37 years, Kathy made many personal, professional and financial sacrifices to ensure RAH would keep going and be available to help her many friends. She worked hard, but also had great faith and relied on heavenly guidance and support. She shared many experiences of times when RAH's needs were high, but resources were low and she would "have a talk with the man upstairs" only to find that a check or other support arrived just in time to help.
Kathy also owned and operated SPORT Tours. A business that provided escorted vacations to people with disabilities. Hundreds of Individuals were able to fulfil their dreams and experience vacations of a lifetime through Kathy's efforts.
Kathy was well known among her peers as a strong, independent and determined woman. She wasn't always popular, but she always tried to do the right thing, especially when it came to her "friends".
Kathy developed and exercised charity. She was observant of the needs of those around her and helped others through kind acts of service and generous giving. Many people never knew where the help they needed came from, which is how she liked it. As her mother, Helen, got older she moved her to Utah so she could more effectively watch over her. Kathy cared for Helen with careful attention and devotion until she passed at age 98.
Kathy loved God's creations. She enjoyed spending time in nature and loved animals, especially her many beloved pets. She had many adventures hiking, fishing, riding horses and exploring in the mountains, canyons and along waterways. She enjoyed traveling to beautiful places and discovered a love for, and connection to, the Pacific Northwest. She also loved golfing, partly because she could be out in nature's beauty. Hobble Creek was a favorite spot for golfing and for visiting year round. As her health declined, one of the things she missed most was the freedom and ability to be able to load up the dog, get in her little truck and just go for a drive anytime she wanted. Whether she went to the canyon, the lake, the foothills or a peaceful park, she found great solace and rejuvenation being surrounded by nature.
Kathy lived a simple, unpretentious life. She was who she was and what you saw was what you got. She did not have to have the biggest, shiniest or newest thing to be happy. She did however partake of a few of life's finest enjoyments occasionally like Dr Pepper, dark chocolate candy, fresh caught salmon and chocolate ice cream.
Following her retirement, she found and purchased the property of her dreams in the small town of Sequim, WA on the Olympic Peninsula. She created wonderful memories as she explored the Olympic National Forest, the Hoh Rain Forest and the Pacific Ocean coastline. She enjoyed visiting the lavender fields, regular bald Eagle watching, whale watching and drives to locate the resident elk herd. She spent much of the remainder of her time tending to her beautiful property and especially liked going around her 2 ½ acres on her riding lawn mower. Until her health started to change, she lived in Sequim for 6-8 months of the year, but had hoped to move there full-time one day.
Kathy was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She maintained an unwavering belief in, and a strong connection with, her Father in Heaven and His son, Jesus Christ. During her illness her motto became "Let your Faith be stronger than your fears". Although there were many difficulties, she held tight to her faith and was so grateful for the blessings, miracles and many tender mercies she was able to experience. Her life was blessed by many angels, both seen and unseen. There is not enough room to list all the loved ones, friends, neighbors and ward members who ministered to Kathy in her times of need, but please know that your selfless actions did not go unnoticed and were deeply appreciated.
Thanks for the special care and attention provided by: Dr. Steven Wallentine and the Revere Health Oncology Clinic Staff; Dr Jeremy Hadley; Elevation Hospice (Michelle, Joylyn, Debbie, Lorna) and long-time aide & friend to the end, Jillyn.
Kathy is survived by: Dolly Harty, forever sister (in-law); Nephews and Niece: Mike (Maria) Harty, Matt (Blanca) Harty and Christen (Ken) Harty-Schaefer, along with their combined 9 children and 8 grandchildren; Bonus/"Adopted" Nephews and Niece: Jacob Jensen, Matthew Jensen, and Kristen Jensen Zeck; Close friend and supporter, Cheryl Adamson; As well as many other cherished friends and her much loved dog Izzy.
She was preceded in death by both parents, her brother Larry, numerous RAH friends, and many cherished pets and animals.
A Viewing/Open House will be held on Saturday, January 9th from 10:00am-noon at the Provo Parkway Stake Center, 2801 W 620 N. A brief graveside service will be held at 1:00pm the same day at East Lawn Memorial Hills, 4800 N 650 E, Provo. *Mask use and Covid health guideline compliance will be required at both events.
1945 - 2020
Kathleen Ann Edwards, beloved friend, aunt and sister, passed away on Sunday, December 27th culminating a 5½ year fight with ovarian cancer and kidney disease. Her body was weak, but her spirit remained strong to the very end. Kathy was born on July 14, 1945 in Almeda, CA. She was welcomed by her parents: Robert Sherman and Helen Margaret Mussmann Edwards and older brother, Lawrence D. (Larry) Harty. Kathy later gained a forever sister and friend when Larry married Darlene (Dolly) LeVier Lund in 1999.
Kathy grew up in California with her family settling in Palmdale. She had many fond memories of time with grandparents, family camping trips, fishing, working on a friend's ranch in Oregon and playing competitive tennis.
Kathy came to Utah to attend college. She started at U of U but transferred to BYU where her life changed forever, following participation in a survival experience, when she chose to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Kathy received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Recreation Education and became certified as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. She devoted her entire career to supporting, serving, and advocating for individuals with disabilities. She worked for many years as the Recreation Director at the Utah State Training School (now Utah State Developmental Center) in American Fork. She started "RAH" (Recreation and Habilitation Services) in Provo, UT. The first program in our area to provide community based social, recreational and life enhancing opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. This is a legacy that continues today. Running and maintaining funding for a non-profit organization is not an easy task. Over the course of 37 years, Kathy made many personal, professional and financial sacrifices to ensure RAH would keep going and be available to help her many friends. She worked hard, but also had great faith and relied on heavenly guidance and support. She shared many experiences of times when RAH's needs were high, but resources were low and she would "have a talk with the man upstairs" only to find that a check or other support arrived just in time to help.
Kathy also owned and operated SPORT Tours. A business that provided escorted vacations to people with disabilities. Hundreds of Individuals were able to fulfil their dreams and experience vacations of a lifetime through Kathy's efforts.
Kathy was well known among her peers as a strong, independent and determined woman. She wasn't always popular, but she always tried to do the right thing, especially when it came to her "friends".
Kathy developed and exercised charity. She was observant of the needs of those around her and helped others through kind acts of service and generous giving. Many people never knew where the help they needed came from, which is how she liked it. As her mother, Helen, got older she moved her to Utah so she could more effectively watch over her. Kathy cared for Helen with careful attention and devotion until she passed at age 98.
Kathy loved God's creations. She enjoyed spending time in nature and loved animals, especially her many beloved pets. She had many adventures hiking, fishing, riding horses and exploring in the mountains, canyons and along waterways. She enjoyed traveling to beautiful places and discovered a love for, and connection to, the Pacific Northwest. She also loved golfing, partly because she could be out in nature's beauty. Hobble Creek was a favorite spot for golfing and for visiting year round. As her health declined, one of the things she missed most was the freedom and ability to be able to load up the dog, get in her little truck and just go for a drive anytime she wanted. Whether she went to the canyon, the lake, the foothills or a peaceful park, she found great solace and rejuvenation being surrounded by nature.
Kathy lived a simple, unpretentious life. She was who she was and what you saw was what you got. She did not have to have the biggest, shiniest or newest thing to be happy. She did however partake of a few of life's finest enjoyments occasionally like Dr Pepper, dark chocolate candy, fresh caught salmon and chocolate ice cream.
Following her retirement, she found and purchased the property of her dreams in the small town of Sequim, WA on the Olympic Peninsula. She created wonderful memories as she explored the Olympic National Forest, the Hoh Rain Forest and the Pacific Ocean coastline. She enjoyed visiting the lavender fields, regular bald Eagle watching, whale watching and drives to locate the resident elk herd. She spent much of the remainder of her time tending to her beautiful property and especially liked going around her 2 ½ acres on her riding lawn mower. Until her health started to change, she lived in Sequim for 6-8 months of the year, but had hoped to move there full-time one day.
Kathy was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She maintained an unwavering belief in, and a strong connection with, her Father in Heaven and His son, Jesus Christ. During her illness her motto became "Let your Faith be stronger than your fears". Although there were many difficulties, she held tight to her faith and was so grateful for the blessings, miracles and many tender mercies she was able to experience. Her life was blessed by many angels, both seen and unseen. There is not enough room to list all the loved ones, friends, neighbors and ward members who ministered to Kathy in her times of need, but please know that your selfless actions did not go unnoticed and were deeply appreciated.
Thanks for the special care and attention provided by: Dr. Steven Wallentine and the Revere Health Oncology Clinic Staff; Dr Jeremy Hadley; Elevation Hospice (Michelle, Joylyn, Debbie, Lorna) and long-time aide & friend to the end, Jillyn.
Kathy is survived by: Dolly Harty, forever sister (in-law); Nephews and Niece: Mike (Maria) Harty, Matt (Blanca) Harty and Christen (Ken) Harty-Schaefer, along with their combined 9 children and 8 grandchildren; Bonus/"Adopted" Nephews and Niece: Jacob Jensen, Matthew Jensen, and Kristen Jensen Zeck; Close friend and supporter, Cheryl Adamson; As well as many other cherished friends and her much loved dog Izzy.
She was preceded in death by both parents, her brother Larry, numerous RAH friends, and many cherished pets and animals.
A Viewing/Open House will be held on Saturday, January 9th from 10:00am-noon at the Provo Parkway Stake Center, 2801 W 620 N. A brief graveside service will be held at 1:00pm the same day at East Lawn Memorial Hills, 4800 N 650 E, Provo. *Mask use and Covid health guideline compliance will be required at both events.
Kathleen Ann Edwards
1945 - 2020
Kathleen Ann Edwards, beloved friend, aunt and sister, passed away on Sunday, December 27th culminating a 5½ year fight with ovarian cancer and kidney disease. Her body was weak, but her spirit remained strong to the very end. Kathy was born on July 14, 1945 in Almeda, CA. She was welcomed by her parents: Robert Sherman and Helen Margaret Mussmann Edwards and older brother, Lawrence D. (Larry) Harty. Kathy later gained a forever sister and friend when Larry married Darlene (Dolly) LeVier Lund in 1999.
Kathy grew up in California with her family settling in Palmdale. She had many fond memories of time with grandparents, family camping trips, fishing, working on a friend's ranch in Oregon and playing competitive tennis.
Kathy came to Utah to attend college. She started at U of U but transferred to BYU where her life changed forever, following participation in a survival experience, when she chose to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Kathy received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Recreation Education and became certified as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. She devoted her entire career to supporting, serving, and advocating for individuals with disabilities. She worked for many years as the Recreation Director at the Utah State Training School (now Utah State Developmental Center) in American Fork. She started "RAH" (Recreation and Habilitation Services) in Provo, UT. The first program in our area to provide community based social, recreational and life enhancing opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. This is a legacy that continues today. Running and maintaining funding for a non-profit organization is not an easy task. Over the course of 37 years, Kathy made many personal, professional and financial sacrifices to ensure RAH would keep going and be available to help her many friends. She worked hard, but also had great faith and relied on heavenly guidance and support. She shared many experiences of times when RAH's needs were high, but resources were low and she would "have a talk with the man upstairs" only to find that a check or other support arrived just in time to help.
Kathy also owned and operated SPORT Tours. A business that provided escorted vacations to people with disabilities. Hundreds of Individuals were able to fulfil their dreams and experience vacations of a lifetime through Kathy's efforts.
Kathy was well known among her peers as a strong, independent and determined woman. She wasn't always popular, but she always tried to do the right thing, especially when it came to her "friends".
Kathy developed and exercised charity. She was observant of the needs of those around her and helped others through kind acts of service and generous giving. Many people never knew where the help they needed came from, which is how she liked it. As her mother, Helen, got older she moved her to Utah so she could more effectively watch over her. Kathy cared for Helen with careful attention and devotion until she passed at age 98.
Kathy loved God's creations. She enjoyed spending time in nature and loved animals, especially her many beloved pets. She had many adventures hiking, fishing, riding horses and exploring in the mountains, canyons and along waterways. She enjoyed traveling to beautiful places and discovered a love for, and connection to, the Pacific Northwest. She also loved golfing, partly because she could be out in nature's beauty. Hobble Creek was a favorite spot for golfing and for visiting year round. As her health declined, one of the things she missed most was the freedom and ability to be able to load up the dog, get in her little truck and just go for a drive anytime she wanted. Whether she went to the canyon, the lake, the foothills or a peaceful park, she found great solace and rejuvenation being surrounded by nature.
Kathy lived a simple, unpretentious life. She was who she was and what you saw was what you got. She did not have to have the biggest, shiniest or newest thing to be happy. She did however partake of a few of life's finest enjoyments occasionally like Dr Pepper, dark chocolate candy, fresh caught salmon and chocolate ice cream.
Following her retirement, she found and purchased the property of her dreams in the small town of Sequim, WA on the Olympic Peninsula. She created wonderful memories as she explored the Olympic National Forest, the Hoh Rain Forest and the Pacific Ocean coastline. She enjoyed visiting the lavender fields, regular bald Eagle watching, whale watching and drives to locate the resident elk herd. She spent much of the remainder of her time tending to her beautiful property and especially liked going around her 2 ½ acres on her riding lawn mower. Until her health started to change, she lived in Sequim for 6-8 months of the year, but had hoped to move there full-time one day.
Kathy was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She maintained an unwavering belief in, and a strong connection with, her Father in Heaven and His son, Jesus Christ. During her illness her motto became "Let your Faith be stronger than your fears". Although there were many difficulties, she held tight to her faith and was so grateful for the blessings, miracles and many tender mercies she was able to experience. Her life was blessed by many angels, both seen and unseen. There is not enough room to list all the loved ones, friends, neighbors and ward members who ministered to Kathy in her times of need, but please know that your selfless actions did not go unnoticed and were deeply appreciated.
Thanks for the special care and attention provided by: Dr. Steven Wallentine and the Revere Health Oncology Clinic Staff; Dr Jeremy Hadley; Elevation Hospice (Michelle, Joylyn, Debbie, Lorna) and long-time aide & friend to the end, Jillyn.
Kathy is survived by: Dolly Harty, forever sister (in-law); Nephews and Niece: Mike (Maria) Harty, Matt (Blanca) Harty and Christen (Ken) Harty-Schaefer, along with their combined 9 children and 8 grandchildren; Bonus/"Adopted" Nephews and Niece: Jacob Jensen, Matthew Jensen, and Kristen Jensen Zeck; Close friend and supporter, Cheryl Adamson; As well as many other cherished friends and her much loved dog Izzy.
She was preceded in death by both parents, her brother Larry, numerous RAH friends, and many cherished pets and animals.
A Viewing/Open House will be held on Saturday, January 9th from 10:00am-noon at the Provo Parkway Stake Center, 2801 W 620 N. A brief graveside service will be held at 1:00pm the same day at East Lawn Memorial Hills, 4800 N 650 E, Provo. *Mask use and Covid health guideline compliance will be required at both events.
1945 - 2020
Kathleen Ann Edwards, beloved friend, aunt and sister, passed away on Sunday, December 27th culminating a 5½ year fight with ovarian cancer and kidney disease. Her body was weak, but her spirit remained strong to the very end. Kathy was born on July 14, 1945 in Almeda, CA. She was welcomed by her parents: Robert Sherman and Helen Margaret Mussmann Edwards and older brother, Lawrence D. (Larry) Harty. Kathy later gained a forever sister and friend when Larry married Darlene (Dolly) LeVier Lund in 1999.
Kathy grew up in California with her family settling in Palmdale. She had many fond memories of time with grandparents, family camping trips, fishing, working on a friend's ranch in Oregon and playing competitive tennis.
Kathy came to Utah to attend college. She started at U of U but transferred to BYU where her life changed forever, following participation in a survival experience, when she chose to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Kathy received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Recreation Education and became certified as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. She devoted her entire career to supporting, serving, and advocating for individuals with disabilities. She worked for many years as the Recreation Director at the Utah State Training School (now Utah State Developmental Center) in American Fork. She started "RAH" (Recreation and Habilitation Services) in Provo, UT. The first program in our area to provide community based social, recreational and life enhancing opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. This is a legacy that continues today. Running and maintaining funding for a non-profit organization is not an easy task. Over the course of 37 years, Kathy made many personal, professional and financial sacrifices to ensure RAH would keep going and be available to help her many friends. She worked hard, but also had great faith and relied on heavenly guidance and support. She shared many experiences of times when RAH's needs were high, but resources were low and she would "have a talk with the man upstairs" only to find that a check or other support arrived just in time to help.
Kathy also owned and operated SPORT Tours. A business that provided escorted vacations to people with disabilities. Hundreds of Individuals were able to fulfil their dreams and experience vacations of a lifetime through Kathy's efforts.
Kathy was well known among her peers as a strong, independent and determined woman. She wasn't always popular, but she always tried to do the right thing, especially when it came to her "friends".
Kathy developed and exercised charity. She was observant of the needs of those around her and helped others through kind acts of service and generous giving. Many people never knew where the help they needed came from, which is how she liked it. As her mother, Helen, got older she moved her to Utah so she could more effectively watch over her. Kathy cared for Helen with careful attention and devotion until she passed at age 98.
Kathy loved God's creations. She enjoyed spending time in nature and loved animals, especially her many beloved pets. She had many adventures hiking, fishing, riding horses and exploring in the mountains, canyons and along waterways. She enjoyed traveling to beautiful places and discovered a love for, and connection to, the Pacific Northwest. She also loved golfing, partly because she could be out in nature's beauty. Hobble Creek was a favorite spot for golfing and for visiting year round. As her health declined, one of the things she missed most was the freedom and ability to be able to load up the dog, get in her little truck and just go for a drive anytime she wanted. Whether she went to the canyon, the lake, the foothills or a peaceful park, she found great solace and rejuvenation being surrounded by nature.
Kathy lived a simple, unpretentious life. She was who she was and what you saw was what you got. She did not have to have the biggest, shiniest or newest thing to be happy. She did however partake of a few of life's finest enjoyments occasionally like Dr Pepper, dark chocolate candy, fresh caught salmon and chocolate ice cream.
Following her retirement, she found and purchased the property of her dreams in the small town of Sequim, WA on the Olympic Peninsula. She created wonderful memories as she explored the Olympic National Forest, the Hoh Rain Forest and the Pacific Ocean coastline. She enjoyed visiting the lavender fields, regular bald Eagle watching, whale watching and drives to locate the resident elk herd. She spent much of the remainder of her time tending to her beautiful property and especially liked going around her 2 ½ acres on her riding lawn mower. Until her health started to change, she lived in Sequim for 6-8 months of the year, but had hoped to move there full-time one day.
Kathy was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She maintained an unwavering belief in, and a strong connection with, her Father in Heaven and His son, Jesus Christ. During her illness her motto became "Let your Faith be stronger than your fears". Although there were many difficulties, she held tight to her faith and was so grateful for the blessings, miracles and many tender mercies she was able to experience. Her life was blessed by many angels, both seen and unseen. There is not enough room to list all the loved ones, friends, neighbors and ward members who ministered to Kathy in her times of need, but please know that your selfless actions did not go unnoticed and were deeply appreciated.
Thanks for the special care and attention provided by: Dr. Steven Wallentine and the Revere Health Oncology Clinic Staff; Dr Jeremy Hadley; Elevation Hospice (Michelle, Joylyn, Debbie, Lorna) and long-time aide & friend to the end, Jillyn.
Kathy is survived by: Dolly Harty, forever sister (in-law); Nephews and Niece: Mike (Maria) Harty, Matt (Blanca) Harty and Christen (Ken) Harty-Schaefer, along with their combined 9 children and 8 grandchildren; Bonus/"Adopted" Nephews and Niece: Jacob Jensen, Matthew Jensen, and Kristen Jensen Zeck; Close friend and supporter, Cheryl Adamson; As well as many other cherished friends and her much loved dog Izzy.
She was preceded in death by both parents, her brother Larry, numerous RAH friends, and many cherished pets and animals.
A Viewing/Open House will be held on Saturday, January 9th from 10:00am-noon at the Provo Parkway Stake Center, 2801 W 620 N. A brief graveside service will be held at 1:00pm the same day at East Lawn Memorial Hills, 4800 N 650 E, Provo. *Mask use and Covid health guideline compliance will be required at both events.
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