Oct. 6, 1934 – Dec. 16, 2020
Katherine Gillespie, 86, died peacefully Dec. 16, 2020, while residing at Our House Assisted Living in Tooele, Utah. She was born in Milton, Utah, Oct. 6, 1934. The following year she moved with her parents to Tooele and lived there most of her life. She was the daughter of Frederick Gideon and Florence Lavern (Criddle) McPhie.
In August 1952, she married Floyd John Gillespie in the Salt Lake Temple, and together they raised five children: Jimmy, Marsha, Rhonda, Lee, and Karen. Her family was her greatest joy. She wrote in her journal how she would like to be remembered. She wrote, “I hope my husband, children, grandchildren, and even my great-grandchildren know how much I love them; they are my whole life.” This was truly how she felt because she devoted her entire life to her family.
Katherine was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and faithfully served many years in the Primary and Relief Society organizations. Her faith in Jesus Christ was unshakeable and she knew and understood the principles associated with God’s Eternal Plan of Happiness. She deeply appreciated the love and kindness shown to her by her bishops, neighbors, and ward members after her husband died in 2003.
Katherine will be remembered for having a loving heart and a keen sense of service. Her love was shown to anyone who needed help and even though she suffered from various health issues most of her adult life, including open heart surgery, Kate’s door was always open to anyone who needed a friend to talk to, a meal to eat, or a place to stay. She was often one of the first people to respond when someone needed assistance and she took whatever action was necessary to provide support to ease their burdens.
From the time Katherine was a young girl she loved the outdoors. Growing up she enjoyed camping and fishing with the McPhie clan in the canyons of Morgan County. The memories of those extended family gatherings remained vivid in her mind. Kate and Floyd spent many summer weekends with their children camping and hiking in Settlement Canyon.
Later in their marriage, Floyd and Katherine spent weeks at a time camping and fishing at Fish Lake, Utah; they had a trailer there. While there they met some wonderful people, who became their lifelong friends. As they grew older, to shield themselves from the cold Utah weather, and for their health, she and Floyd spent several months each winter in Arizona. They loved the warm weather and had good friends there, but they always returned to Tooele each summer.
Her service extended to the Tooele community where she was active in the Tooele Civic League, and for many years she chaired the Women’s March. Katherine also served as the Tooele County Deputy Clerk for 15 years. While serving as the Deputy Clerk she always ensured that her patrons were her priority. She had a reputation of being helpful, caring, and always had a welcoming smile on her face.
Kate was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Floyd, son Jimmy; granddaughter Jody; and great-grandson Kenai. Also preceding her in death was her sister Margie McPhie (Bill) Patton of Kearns, Utah; and two brothers Fredrick V. and Gerald C McPhie, both of Tooele. She is survived by her children Marsha of Payson, Utah; Rhonda (Mike) Larsen of Tooele; Karen of Tooele; Lee of Meeker, Colorado: brother Jack E. McPhie and wife Tina of Franklin, Idaho; 14 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She enjoyed life to the fullest. It was unfortunate that the last few years of her life she was burdened by failing health that caused her move to assisted living. She lived in her home on Fairlane Drive in Tooele, for over 50 years and had many close friends and wonderful neighbors whom she dearly loved.
She requested that no services be held and instead of sending flowers please donate to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. Katherine, God bless you. You got your invitation to join your Savior and loved ones in Paradise in heaven. Rest in Peace.