Kathryn Black

Kathryn Mary Appleton Black October 26, 1950 — October 28, 2023 Brigham City, Utah Kathryn died at home on October 28, 2023. She was a fifth-generation Oregonian, born October 26, 1950, to Donna Mary Scott Appleton and Dale Frederick Appleton in Eugene, where she spent her childhood and was proud to be a Girl Scout. Her adolescence was spent further north in the Willamette Valley, where she graduated from North Salem High School in 1968. She then rejoined her family in Ontario, Oregon, where she received an associate degree from Treasure Valley Community College in 1970, followed by moving to Utah, where she graduated from Brigham Young University in April 1973. After graduation, Kathryn moved back to Oregon to care for her mother during Donna’s final year of life, returning to Utah thereafter. In November 1974, Kathryn met her soulmate, Darrell Curtis Black, and they were married for time and all eternity on March 3, 1975, in the Salt Lake City Temple. They lived in the Salt Lake Valley, followed by several years in Tooele, and moved to Brigham City in April 1984, where they made a home for the rest of Kathryn’s life. Kathryn’s greatest joy in life was being a mother and she gave birth to two children—Marisa in 1976 and LaNae in 1979. Kathryn’s devotion to and support for her children were reflected in being a secretary at their dance studios; driving them to various lessons and competitions from Logan to California, always encouraging them to explore interests; volunteering with the PTA, including helping organize Halloween carnivals at their grade schools; spending hours assisting with homework and school projects; and advocating for sidewalks when Brigham City didn’t have any on the route to their neighborhood elementary school. Her love and commitment extended to the next generation when she dropped everything to stay with LaNae and Jorge in the Pacific Northwest for two months when her only grandchild was born significantly preterm. Kathryn’s notable traits were many. She was gentle, kind, loyal, patient. In her reserved way, she found ways to be of service, including by giving thoughtful attention and individualized tutoring to people of all ages. Those lucky enough to know her well were delighted by her wit and playful sense of humor. Kathryn was incredibly smart, loved to learn, and had a great passion for genealogical research. She wrote the LDS 16th ward newsletter for many years and people in the congregation looked forward to the brain teasers she included and prizes she gave to participants. She was a skilled seamstress who made clothes and costumes for her children. Kathryn loved watching gameshows (Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune were her favorites); doing crossword, jigsaw, and sudoku puzzles; and playing Scrabble with her family. She was a fan of the Utah Jazz and Neil Diamond. As empty nesters, Kathryn and Darrell enjoyed impromptu road trips, their dog Pepper, and each other. Kathryn’s final years were marked by tremendous illness and suffering, which she navigated with consistent grace and dignity. Her family loves her deeply and carries the many lessons she taught by example. Kathryn is survived by her loving and devoted husband and end-of-life caretaker Darrell Curtis Black; children D. Marisa Black (Trent Aason) and LaNae (Jorge) Rodas; grandchild Carmendy Rodas; brother Wesley Scott (Nadia) Appleton and their son Scott; uncle John Appleton; and many in-laws and other nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, parents-in-law Mary Phyrl Curtis Black and Oris George Black, sister-in-law Oralee Black, nephew Timothy Black, and her beloved dogs Frisky and Pepper. The family would like to offer their heartfelt gratitude to her end-of-life hospice team and caregivers. A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 2, 2023, from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at Gillies Funeral Chapel, 634 E 200 S., Brigham City, followed by a funeral at the same location at 11:00 AM. Interment will be in the Blanding Cemetery, Utah with a brief graveside service held on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 9:00 AM. Send condolences to www.gfc-utah.com