Our wonderful mother, Annie Catherine (Katheryn) Mayer Whitney, age 94, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2018. Born December 7, 1923 in Gunnison Utah, she was the daughter of James Peter Mayer and Loy Maylett.
A woman of grace and elegance, Katheryn grew up in a loving family on a small farm near Gunnison Utah. As a child of the depression, she learned to be self-reliant, independent, hardworking, and goal oriented. She developed a love of nature, animals, beauty and order, and most of all, a love of music. She worked her way through BYU, majoring in elementary education and music. While in college she performed in many musical programs, often singing solos. It was there that she met and fell in love with a handsome singer named Keith Whitney. They were married November 27, 1946, and together nurtured and raised their four children. A lifelong devout member of the LDS church, she and Dad served their faith through music, singing together and traveling the world as members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir where she sang for 22 years. Music was at the core of her soul, and as her mortal life drew to a close, she literally “sang her way home.” A career teacher for 26 years, she loved her students and was known for being firm, fair, and fun. In addition to teaching, she also enjoyed helping Keith refine the innovative designs for the beautiful custom homes he built. Her greatest joy in life was her family. She was especially proud of and loved her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Her loved ones will sorely miss her, but will find comfort knowing that she has been joyfully reunited with Dad and her Father in Heaven.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Keith; brothers Frank and Juan Mayer; sisters Verda Sperring and Dorothy Hadden; and granddaughter Mackenzie Whitney. She is survived by her beloved sister June Morris; daughters Carolynn Spratt (Bruce), Rebecca Finn (Andy), Julie Armstrong (Ted); son Kenneth Whitney (Connie); 8 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank the staff and residents of Waikoloa Assisted Living for all of their kindness, friendship and loving understanding care these past 3 years.
A viewing will be held Monday June 18th from 6:00 – 8:00pm at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S. Highland Dr., SLC, UT 84106.
Funeral Services will be held Tuesday June 19th 12:00 noon at the Olympus Cove Ward LDS Chapel, 4407 South Fortuna Way (3695 East), SLC, Utah 84124. Friends may also visit the day of the funeral starting at 10:30am. Online condolences may be shared at www.wasatchlawn.com
