Kathryn “Kathy” Clarke Williams

Kathryn Clarke Williams, 77, passed away peacefully in her home on October 24, 2020 in Mesa, Arizona. Kathy was born on September 7, 1943 in Provo, Utah to A. John and Xarissa Merkley Clarke. She was the youngest of 5 siblings. Her father strongly desired one more child and promised he would be a stellar, diaper changing husband! Kathy was a blessing to all.

Kathy married Paul Allen Williams on June 24, 1966 in the Salt Lake Temple. They resided in Mesa, Arizona for the next 54 years. Kathy graduated from Brigham Young University, majoring in elementary education and taught in Mesa Public Schools during her early years of marriage. While raising her family, Kathy owned and operated her own Diet Center franchise, a program founded by her sister, Sybil Ferguson. Kathy later returned to teaching after raising her family of eight children where she taught kindergarten at Hawthorne Elementary School (now Hughes).

Kathy was a lifelong, devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had a strong testimony of the gospel and Jesus Christ. She was a loving mother and grandmother and devoted her life to her family. Her children were her greatest joy.

Kathy loved learning and was an avid reader. Since the early 70’s, her book club met monthly and the group were life-long friends. She was proud to be a member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. Kathy was a lover of everything Christmas, decorating her home and bringing in the magic of Christmas. She was a gracious dinner hostess with fresh flowers, china and a beautifully set table. She loved collecting dolls of many varieties. Kathy was beautiful inside and out with a queenly bearing and was gentle, kind and gracious. She will always be loved and immensely missed.

Kathy is survived by her one daughter, Jen (Forrest) Peterson, and her seven sons, John (Liz) Williams, Brent Williams, Rich (Natalie) Williams, Rob (Heather) Williams, Scott (Nathalia) Williams, David Williams and Steven Williams. She leaves behind a wonderful posterity of grandchildren, with more to come. She is also survived by one sister, Jill Harris of St. George, Utah. Her parents; sister, Margaret Riley; sister, Sybil Ferguson; and brother, Jack Clarke; all proceeded her in death.

We will honor Kathy’s life Saturday, November 7, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at the Adobe Ward, 2152 E. Adobe Street, Mesa, AZ. A viewing will be held one hour prior to the service at 10:00 A.M.

Kathy will be interred in Spanish Fork City Cemetery, alongside her late husband, Paul Allen Williams. A graveside service will be held for immediate family.