Kathelina "Kaye" Vaccaro

A Force of Nature, A Lifetime of Love
Forever our Munga

On August 15, 1940, a force of nature was born. Kathelina Lola Inlay, affectionately known as Kaye, was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Elmer Bennett Inlay and Mary Elizabeth Gregory. From the very beginning, life had a way of shaping her into the strong, outspoken, caring, and loving woman so many would come to know and cherish.

Kaye's childhood held a heartbreak that would forever shape her life. Her mother passed away when Kaye was only four years old, leaving her to face a world without the love and guidance of a mother. But rather than allowing that loss to define her, Kaye made a promise to herself: she would grow up to be the best mother she could possibly be—the mother she had always wished she could have had.

And she didn't just keep that promise. She more than exceeded it.

Family became the center of her universe, and loving them was her greatest purpose. She was caring, devoted, fiercely protective, and never afraid to speak her mind. Beneath that outspoken spirit was a heart that loved deeply and a woman who would do just about anything for the people she called her own. Her sociable nature enabled her to make many long-lasting friendships.

She shared 69 years of her life with her beloved husband, Gerald, building a family and a lifetime of memories together. Her devotion to him and her family was evident in the countless ways she cared for those she loved.

Kaye was also a hardworking woman who spent many years building her career. She began her working years at Woolworths, then managing the Layaway Department at Gibsons, where she developed the organizational skills and dedication that would serve her throughout her career. She later spent many years working at American Express. Whether at work or at home, Kaye was someone who took pride in what she did, gave her best, and approached life with determination and a strong sense of responsibility. Her years of hard work were another reflection of the strong woman she was.

If there was one place that truly captured Kaye's spirit, it was her kitchen. She loved cooking, collecting cookbooks and recipes, and making sure nobody left hungry. But cooking wasn't just about preparing a meal; it was her way of showing love. And if music was playing, don't be surprised if you found her dancing between the stove and the kitchen counter with a kitchen towel as her dance partner. She could turn an ordinary afternoon into a celebration, often with a little rhythm in her step and something delicious on the stove. Her kitchen was a place of nourishment, laughter, conversation, and unconditional love.

Together with her husband and children, they built their family cabin —a place that held a special piece of her heart. More than just a getaway, it was where family came together, where stories were shared, laughter filled the air, and memories were made that would be passed down through generations. The cabin represented everything Kaye treasured: family, togetherness, tradition, and the simple joy of having everyone under one roof. Her special touch in decorating the cabin will be a treasure to her family for many years to come.

Kaye loved gardening, whether tending to the flowers and plants at home or transplanting in the garden at her treasured cabin. She found joy in nurturing things as they grew, creating beauty around her, and enjoying the simple pleasures of being outdoors. She also loved camping with family and friends, making memories around the campfire, sharing laughter, and enjoying the togetherness that meant so much to her.

Perhaps her greatest accomplishment was the family she created and the generations that followed. She leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured in years, possessions, or accomplishments, but in the lives she touched and the love she poured into each generation.

Kaye's story is one of loss turned into love, heartache turned into purpose, and a promise made by a little girl that became a lifetime of devotion. She gave her family the very thing she had missed growing up: a mother's love that was always there.

Those Left to Carry Her Love

Kaye is survived by her beloved husband, Jerry; her son, Jerry (Kris); and her daughter, Bonnie Vaccaro.

She was a proud grandmother (fondly known as Munga) to Camille Vaccaro and Crystal Bueter (Austyn), and a loving great-grandmother to Tallon Vaccaro, Kylan Vaccaro, Sayj Bueter, Brody Bueter, Halen Holsinger, and her namesake, Stella Kathelina Holsinger. She was also blessed with a precious great-great-grandson, Leo Vega Garcia-Vaccaro.

She is also survived by her sisters that she loved with all she had, Dolores Cooper (Tom), Irene Winn, and Judy Peterson.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Donald Kinder, Floyd Inlay, Melvin Inlay, and Stanley Inlay; and her sisters, Leona Schnakenberg Begent and Ellen Foster.

A Celebration of Her Life

The interment of Kaye's ashes and a graveside celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

Larkin Sunset Mortuary (Garden of Resurrection)
1950 East 10600 South (Dimple Dell Road)
Sandy, Utah

Family and friends are welcome to gather to honor Kaye, share memories, and celebrate a life that meant so much to so many.

A Love That Lives On

Kaye spent her life making sure her family knew they were loved. She filled our plates, our homes, our holidays, and our hearts. She gave us traditions to continue, stories to tell, recipes to recreate, and memories that will never fade.

We imagine that somewhere beyond this life, there is a beautiful kitchen, her favorite music is playing, and Munga is back to doing what she loved—cooking, dancing, and making sure everyone is taken care of.

She once promised herself she would be the mother she never had. She became so much more. She became the heart of a family, the beginning of generations of love, and a legacy that will never stop growing.

Rest peacefully, Munga. Your kitchen may be quiet, but your love will forever fill our hearts. We promise to keep the music playing.