1948 ~ 2026
Kathleen Jensen Rudelich passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026. She was born on December 18, 1948 in Salt Lake City, UT to Raymond Jensen and Faun Utley Jensen. She grew up in the Poplar Grove neighborhood. She attended Edison Elementary, Glendale Middle School, and West High School. While attending West, she met Lane in a class they shared their sophomore year. They had their first date on New Year’s Eve 1964 and were together from then on. They were married May 8, 1970, and later sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple in 1986.
She continued her education at University of Utah. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics Secondary Education. She began her teaching career at South High School in Salt Lake City. She was also the Pep Club Advisor. She then moved to Hillcrest High School in 1979 to be closer to home. She retired from teaching in 2002, after teaching for 30 years.
They welcomed their first daughter, Summer, in 1976. Their son, Nicholas, was born in 1979. They adopted 2 daughters, Noelle and Priyanka, from India. Noelle joined their family in 1983 and Priya joined their family in 1988.
Lane and Kathy loved to travel. They traveled every year of their marriage. They traveled in a camper, later a motor home, and then, of course, by jet. They have visited almost every country in Europe and many other places around the world.
She was preceded in death by her dad, Raymond Jensen, her mom, Faun Utley, and her brother, Jim Jensen.
She is survived by her husband, Lane, her children, Summer (Jeff), Nicholas (Tiffany), Noelle (Brian), and Priyanka, and her 7 grandchildren, Kalika, Eryn, Rayne, Riley, Patrick, Ayrton, and Enzo, and her brother, George (Angela), (Dianne).
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, January 12 at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, Utah. A viewing will be held from 11:00 – 1:00. Followed by a short service at 1:15. In honor of Kathy, please dress bright and cheerful.
Interment will be at Granite Cemetery, 2969 E 9800 S, Granite, Utah.
For those who cannot attend, the funeral service will be livestreamed. Click "watch services" below.
I am so saddened to hear of Kathy’s passing. Mrs Rudelich was my favorite high school teacher. I was in her child development classes in 10th and 11th grades. (1992-1993)
I loved listening to all of the stories she would tell us about her children. She shared stories of her daughter’s adoptions from India and the challenges of being a working mother.
She left an impression, I thought she was so cool because she just told it how it is- she didn’t hide or sugar-coat details of child birth. Everything I learned about pregnancy and child birth I learned in her class.
She left a lasting impression on me, I have thought about her many times in the 30 years since graduation and wondered how her children were and if she was still teaching.
I am sure I am not the only student she impacted. I am blessed to have been one of those students. I will never forget her.
My deepest condolences to her family and friends.
I am still very sad about my dear friend's passing. Our childhood memories keep flooding my mind and heart as I'm sure your memories do too. So very grateful for those memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your love and faith will bless you through this difficult time.
Lane, I am so sorry to see this. My heart is hurting for you. Kathy has always been such a bright, bubbly, happy person. I loved being around her. It was wonderful to see her just a while ago for lunch with all the "West High girls"! I will always remember the two of you together - never saw one without the other. Sending my love and prayers to you and your family.
So sorry for your loss, prayers are being said
What a great teacher at Hillcrest High School. May you have peace and sending Prayers to the whole family during this difficult time. Teresa Gressmen Hartvigsen. 79-83 at HHS.
I am so surprised to read this. Kathy was our Pep Club and Intro advisor back in 74-75 at South High School. We all LOVED her and thought she was an AWESOME teacher. She had such patience with us. Teaching that many girls I'm sure she had to. Just last August we had our 50th High School Reunion and she replied she would love to have been able to come. She was on our facebook Intro group and would post often on her travels. We will all miss her. We are so sorry for your loss.
I was in her class at Hillcrest High. She was a wonderful teacher. I enjoyed having her and seeing her in the halls .
I enjoyed working with Kathy at Hillcrest. She always had a great attitude and loved teaching her students. So sorry to hear of her passing.
Hugs, prayers and peace to her family.
Mrs. Rudelich was a phenomenal high school teacher! She was the best! I took a preschool class from her the 1998-99 school year and absolutely loved it. She is the reason I became a teacher myself and am on my 23rd year of teaching.
I never knew she went to West, I was the West High School “child” Mascot in 1961! Mrs Rudelich was our Pep Club & INTRO Sponsor at South High 73-75 & we loved her! She was always expecting our best & encouraging us to march better, straighter, kick higher, smile more but to always have fun! The 1975 INTRO group of “6”, now “5”, have been friends for over 50 years & she came & spent an evening with us in SLC a few years ago! We were happy to see her & all laughed & shared great memories from the past! This was a special memory we have of her, taking the time to be with us! We loved her! We are all sorry for your loss & know you will be together again. Peace be with you.
So sorry for your loss!!! I first met Kathy in grade school and west high. She was very nice and unique.
To Lane and family.
Extending my sincere sympathies to you on the loss of your beloved wife Kathy. From everything I know you had a wonderful life together. I’m sure your children and grandchildren are a comfort to you now.
Your cousin,
Mary Shelley
(Daughter of Millie Rudelich Brooking)
So sorry to learn of her death - my father was Joseph Rudelich
So sorry for your loss - my Father was Joe Rudelich - his father was Tom Rudelich and his Mother was Manda Rudelich - he lived in Rock Springs Wy and his parents lived in Boise Idaho
So sorry to hear about Kathy's passing. May you Lane & your family be blessed at this time to with the spirit of comfort.
Hi Lane,
I'm so sorry to hear about Kathy's passing. It was a lot of years ago (although it seems like yesterday) that we were driving home from Long Beach in a snowstorm and got home later than we planned. In those pre-cell phone days there was no way to let her know that we were fine and unfortunately, she was worried sick about what might have happened. She loved you and supported you in things that you did. She was an amazing lady.