Our elite lady, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and dear friend returned to her Heavenly family on August 15th. She will be greatly missed by many. Kaye was born October 18, 1942 to Fred M. Wilkey and Helen Christiansen Wilkey of Nephi, Utah. As the second of nine children and the first girl, Kaye was a big help to her parents with the younger children and the needed house work. Her parents taught their children to work hard and to love and help others, especially those with special needs. Like her mother, Kaye helped with special need children. Kaye was very close to the spirit and often knew when someone needed help, frequently stopping at homes where she felt help was needed and was often told by the person that they had been praying for help. Kaye always had a big smile and a great hug for everyone.
Kaye grew up in Nephi and graduated Valedictorian of her Juab High School class,which included her sweetheart Ron. She still has many good friends from high school. She attended LDS Business College while Ron was on his mission and then worked at the Federal Reserve Bank so that Ron could go to school. Later she worked in the resource classes at East Midvale Elementary School and in the family donut business.
Kaye and Ron were married in the Manti Temple on October 11, 1963 and lived for a short time in Salt Lake City before they found a great place to live in the Union Fort area (later annexed into Midvale) where, among some of the best people in the world, they raised six sons: Vance, Virginia Beach; Rodney (Lyndee), West Jordan; Nathan (Melissa), West Jordan; Trent (Wendy), Atlanta; Aaron (Charlene), Sandy; and Quinn (Julianne), Midvale. They also welcomed foster and other children into their home and lives: Cheryl Pellegrino, Midvale; Karen (Brent) Standing, Highland; Shawn Johns, New Mexico Navajo Reservation; Yang Hee Kim, Layton; Rajeung Seo, South Korea. At this time, they have 22 grandchildren (8 are married) and 3 great grandchildren.
Kaye loved the Lord and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many different positions, including Relief Society President and presidencies, Stake Young Women\s (and attended many girls camps), Cub Scouts den leader and cubmaster, primary (including girls activity day leader), and ward missionary with Ron. She also loved the Jordan River Temple and attended often with Ron and friends.
Kaye is survived by her family mentioned above, brothers: Melvin (Dianne), Verl (Kaye), Scott (Leslie), David (Teri), and Ricky; sisters: Pamela (Brent) Jackman, Darlene Pew; and two cousins that that are part of her parents' family: Rulon Wilkey and Marilyn Hamblin.
Proceeded in death by her parents, all her aunts and uncles, brother Errol, brothers-in-law Craig Pew, Thomas Sperry, David Sperry, and her cousins\ spouses: Barbara Wilkey and Lynn Hamblin.
There will be a life celebration and viewingTuesdaynightAugust 21st from 6:00-8:00 pmand onWednesday, August 22nd from 9:30-10:30 amat the Union Fort Fifth Ward building located at6770 South 500 Eastin Midvale.
Funeral services will begin at11:00 am. After the services, there will be a family luncheon at the Ward building prior to going to the cemetery. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens located at 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South) in Sandy, at2:00 pm.
Special thanks to Sunrise of Sandy Memory Care Center for their great care, love and attention they provided Kaye and Inspiration Hospice Group for their medical care and attention.
