Mourning the Passing of Friends: Forthcoming Funeral Services

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose.  All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” ~ Helen Keller

Forthcoming funeral services are planned for the following friends from our community. Complete versions of these obituaries may also be found in The Payson Chronicle.

KATHRYN HOLDAWAY

Kathryn “Kate” Mortensen Holdaway, 80, of Rexburg, Idaho, passed away July 8, 2019, surrounded by family. She was born May 5, 1939, on her Grandma’s kitchen table. The doctor arrived late, so her “daddy” refused to pay him full price. She was the second child born to Mary Provstgaard and Angus Stanford Mortensen.

Kathryn grew up in West Mountain. She had lots of treasured memories growing up on their family farm, with her two brothers, Jerry and Jim, whom she loved dearly. She talked about playing kick the can, and bombs over Tokyo. She had lots of cherished memories playing with her many cousins and neighbor friends. Kate had a love for collecting dolls, it was a hobby she never outgrew.

She attended Peteetneet Elementary, Payson Jr. High, and Payson High School, where she was a cheerleader, a class officer, and attended girls state. She was the Payson Poppy Queen, and a member of the Payson Onion days royalty. She was truly beautiful both inside and out. After High School, she studied Elementary Education at Weber State, and BYU. Throughout her years she held various jobs and was sought after for her short hand and fast typing skills.

On December 28, 1960, she married George E. Mangan in the Salt Lake Temple. She worked several jobs to help put him through law school. They made their first home in the Avenues; there they had their first four children. George served as the Bishop of the 21st Ward, and Kathryn served along side him, always being of service and love to others. They made many life long friends.

In 1971 they moved to Roosevelt, Utah, and four more children were born to their family. George was called to serve as the Bishop of the 1st Ward, and Kathryn again willing served by his side, staying very involved in church and community service, while raising their family. Kathryn opened her heart and her home to everyone, and loved feeding and nurturing not only her children, but all of their friends as well. Nobody left her house hungry, and everyone left her house feeling loved. The friends she made in Roosevelt, became more like family. They have loved and supported her throughout the years. She held their friendships very dear to her heart.

In 1988, they moved to Rexburg, Idaho. Shortly after they divorced. Kathryn continued to raise her children on her own and stayed strong in her faith. She was fortunate to be hired at Ricks College in the student employment office. She loved her job, her co-workers, and the students. She had many happy memories working on campus.

On July 8th, 2000, she married Boyd F. Holdaway in the Timpanogos Temple. They enjoyed traveling, going on long drives and spending time with their families. Together they served a mission in the West Indies, and as Addiction Recovery Missionaries. They also served in the Rexburg Idaho Temple. Kathryn loved serving the Lord in all these capacities, alongside with Boyd. As Kathryn’s health declined the last few years, Boyd lovingly cared for her, and her children will be forever grateful for his service.

Kathryn loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ with all her heart. She was the most faithful and Christlike person you would ever meet. She served faithfully through the years in many callings. Primary President, Relief Society President, Young Woman’s President, and nursery leader, to name a few, but her favorite calling was being the transcriber for the Stake Patriarch in Roosevelt.
   
Kathryn was passionate about doing family history and felt a special bond with those beyond the veil. She was very close to ancestors that she had never met in this life, but they visited her and brought comfort to her in her final days. Some of her other hobbies were quilting, sewing, canning, camping, going for long scenic rides, and cooking. Kate was an awesome cook and her big breakfast was a family favorite.  She loved root beer floats, and would make one for anyone that visited, even if they didn’t want one. While she was serving on a mission one grandchild said, I miss “Grandma Root Beer” and another one said I miss “Grandma Sausage”. Her favorite thing to do was supporting her kids and grandkids in all of their activities. She loved organizing family gatherings and parties, any chance to be with her children and grandchildren. She loved each one with all her heart and was their biggest cheerleader.  Each one knowing they were her “favorite”.  She truly had a gift to make everyone feel loved and accepted. Her example of unconditional love for her family and friends and her unwavering testimony in the gospel of Jesus Christ is her greatest legacy.

She is survived by her husband Boyd, her children; Mary Lou Turley (Mike), James Mangan (Teresa), Jolee Henriod (Chris), Katrina Witt (Jon), Martin Mangan (Lisa), and Janeese Summers (John). Step children; Joann Eddins (Paul), Susan Nusink (Clair), Gary Holdaway, Matt Holdaway, and Mike Holdaway (Tara), 30 grandkids, 5 great grandkids and one on the way. 10 step grandkids, and 5 step great grandkids.  Her brothers and sisters in law, Jerry and Lorraine Mortensen and Jim and Carol Sue Mortensen.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, and her sons Keith and Steven Mangan. We know they are having a joyous reunion.

The family offers sincere thanks to Ken Hicken and Michelle from Salt Lake Regional Hospital, the staff at the Beehive House in West Jordan and a special thanks to the hospice staff of Comfort Worx, for their careful and loving care.

Services will be held on Saturday July 13, 2019, at the Mountain View Stake in Payson, UT. 1138 East 100 South Payson, UT 84651. Viewing at 11:00 am, and the funeral will be at 1:00 pm. Burial will be in the Payson City Cemetery.

We will miss you dearly, but we know that you are in a better place. You were the best Mom ever!  Remember “We Love You More”!!