Kathryn Andersen Kartchner's Obituary
Kathryn Andersen Kartchner, 71, of Orem , Utah, passed away October 7th, 2023, after 20 years battling Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma and the ongoing, forever giving effects of the radiation used to treat it. Recent efforts to drain retained liquid off the brain revealed the presence of stage four ovary cancer spread throughout her abdomen. Her last few months have given many family members time for visits filled with tender moments of expressed love and gratitude for her life. There is no way to express appreciation to her sisters and sister-in-law who have tirelessly given of their time and love to make her final days enjoyable and filled with the spirit thru their constant presence.
She was born to the late Verlan and Shirley Andersen, September 21st, 1952, in Mesa, Arizona. Kathy graduated from Provo High School in 1970 and received a BS in Elementary Education from the BYU in 1974, doing her student teaching pregnant with Mark, her oldest child, throwing up every day of the pregnancy in and out of class.
She married Richard Taylor Kartchner in 1973, and they lived and raised their family mostly in Meridian, Idaho for thirty years before returning to Orem, Utah to enjoy retirement together. Kathy is survived by all nine children: Mark, of Greenacres, Washington; Keriann Barlow, of American Fork; Taylor of Meridian, Idaho: Kelli Goodrick of Saratoga Springs; Kenny of Nampa, Idaho; Paul of Rigby, Idaho; Jordan of American Fork; Ethan of Bluffdale; and Claire Geddis of Naperville, Illinois. She is also survived by 42 grandchildren.
Kathy is beautiful in every way to her husband. She passed her appreciation of music to all her children, singing them to sleep at nights with family favorites, the most popular ones being impromptu compositions about any topic. Kathy was immensely proud of her family and leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories. As her health declined, she inspired the title of the family biography, reflecting her unassuming gratitude of life: "How Can I Keep From Singing.” Kathy was a woman of faith, kindness and charity who loved deeply and always gave comfort and concern to others in spite of her personal physical challenges.
Kathryn's family will be hosting a visitation on Saturday, October 14 from 9-9:45 am at the LDS Chapel, 155 W 1600 S Orem, Utah with a memorial service to follow at 10 am. The burial will take place October 13th at the Provo City cemetery with close friends and family.
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