Home Yearbooks Events Photos Videos Memorials More School Info Music Rewind Feedback

Katherine Larkin Neilson - 6/27/2010

Class of 1964

Katherine Larkin Neilson passed away on June 27, 2010, in Orange, California, after a valiant fight against colon cancer. She died at home surrounded by her loving family.

Katherine was born on April 29, 1946, to Herman and Montrue Grey Larkin in St. George, Utah. She was the sixth of seven children. After her fathers passing in 1948, she and her siblings were raised by their mother. Graduating from Dixie Junior College, she then attended Brigham Young University and received her Bachelors degree in Child Development and Family Relations.

Katherine married her sweetheart Ralph Reid Neilson on February 1, 1969, in the St. George Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They moved to Logan, Utah, where she completed her Masters Degree at Utah State University in Counseling and Guidance. Ralph's employment opportunities took them to Southern California where their six children were born and raised.

She was very active in the local Parent Teacher Association, serving as PTA President at the elementary, junior high and high school level. She was very involved in leadership training at all levels, culminating in her time as First Vice President of the California State PTA. At the time of her passing, she was a member of the National Advisory Council to the Marriott School of Management at Brigham Young University and the National Advisory Council for Dixie State College.

A lifetime member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Katherine had a strong love for her Savior Jesus Christ and a testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel. She served as Ward Young Women’s President, Ward Primary President, Stake Primary President, Stake Relief Society President and seminary teacher. She was an exceptional teacher and loved working with the youth. She also served as an ordinance worker at the Newport Beach Temple. One of her great joys was singing in the Anaheim Mormon Chorale.

Katherine is survived by Ralph, her husband of 41 years; her children, Karianne Prince (Jeff), Reid Neilson (Shelly), Stanton Neilson (Amanda), Glen Neilson (Joni), Paul Neilson (Rachelle) and Kimberly Hatch (Austin); 13 grandchildren; siblings, James Grey Larkin, Barbara Shakespeare, Dale Larkin and Derrill Larkin. Preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Royden and Lynn.
Katherine is known best for "being in charge of being in charge".

© Skalooza, LLC.