Kathryn Ann Johansen Nielson

KATHRYN ANN JOHANSEN NIELSON "Life of Love and Service" Kathryn Ann Johansen Nielson, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister died Wednesday, January 29, 2014 of kidney failure. She was born October 20, 1944 in Mount Pleasant, Utah to Vadis Parley Johansen and Edith Howell, the youngest of six children. She grew up mostly in Magna, Utah, graduating from Cyprus High School in 1962 and from BYU in 1967. She married Richard L. Nielson on September 9, 1966 in the Salt Lake Temple. They have resided in West Valley for almost all of the past 47 years. Kathryn enjoyed raising her children and also worked for several years as an elementary school teacher. She touched the lives of many students before she was unable to continue teaching due to the effects of cancer. She was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving faithfully in many callings throughout her life, including Stake Primary President and Stake Relief Society President. She and Rich served together as missionaries in the Salt Lake Inner City Mission (2004-05) and in the Apia Samoa Mission (2006-08), which were experiences she treasured. Kathryn loved crossword puzzles, snow crab, Cherry Coke, Cheetos, and the TV show "Murder She Wrote," not necessarily in that order. She was an amazing cook and enjoyed traveling. Most of all, she loved the Savior and caring for others, especially her family. She is preceded in death by her parents, and four of her five siblings: Arlene (Lee) Jensen, Lora (Wayne) Adamson, Vadis Junior (Margaret) Johansen, and Evelyn (Harry Jr.) Rivers. She is survived by her husband, Richard, and their three children: Troy (Jennifer) Nielson, Brandi Nielson, and Kelly (Jason) Jarvis; 8 grandchildren; sister Valoy (Glade) Roe; and sisters-in-law, Caryl Mackay and Dorothy Nielson. Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 6, 11:00 a.m. at the Highbury Ward, 3372 South Merry Lane (5275 West) in West Valley City. Friends may call Wednesday, February 5, 6:00-8:30 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road and Thursday at the church, from 9:30-10:45 a.m. prior to the funeral services. Interment, Valley View Memorial Park. Family expresses our appreciation to Silverado Hospice. As a cancer survivor, Kathryn was passionate about organizations that fund research for the treatment of cancer. If desired, please donate to the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Place of Birth:Mt. Pleasant, UtahPlace of Death:West Valley City, UtahHobbies:Crossword puzzles, snow crab, Cherry coke, Cheetos and "Murder, She Wrote"; cooking, traveling and being with family and friendsOccupation:School Teacher