Kathleen Palmer Wilson

Our dear wife, beloved mother, cherished grandmother, faithful sister, dear friend, and the heart of our family, Kathleen Palmer Wilson, age 79, passed away peacefully at her home in Oak City, Utah, on December 29, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Kathie was born on January 8, 1946, to Barbara Louise Peterson and Russell Leo Palmer in Castle Dale, Utah. During her early years, she shared adventures with her siblings, forming lifelong bonds and caring for her four youngest brothers as her own. Kathie maintained a deep devotion and love for her mother throughout her entire life.

She met the love of her life, Robert James Wilson, in 1970 while working as a waitress at the KFC in Sugarhouse, where Bob worked as a grill cook. Their connection was immediate, and five months after their first date, Kathie and Bob were married, beginning a lifetime of love and devotion to one another. As a favorite sidenote, Kathie once waited on Colonel Sanders during her time at the restaurant, a story she always told with a smile.

When their young family moved to Nampa, Idaho, resources were limited, but love was never in short supply. Kathie somehow made a little go a long way, baking meals and a homemade cherry pie from scratch each day. She lovingly sewed clothes from what was available, turning her own dress into one for her daughter and fashioning a jacket for her son from one of Bob’s coats. Through her quiet strength and creativity, Kathie ensured her family was always clothed, nourished, and deeply loved.

The family moved to Oak City in 1985. Kathie worked for many years in several capacities with the Post Office, where delivering the mail brought her many adventures. She later worked for the Driver License Division, where she formed lifelong friendships and ensured none of her family had unpaid traffic tickets.

Kathie served faithfully in many church callings, and numerous women have shared how profound her influence was as a Young Women’s leader. She had a strong testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and her example influenced all around her for good. She had a rare gift for making people feel valued and cherished. Her love was Christlike and unconditional, and it remains her enduring legacy to her family and to the world.

Kathie was a talented seamstress, artist, and writer. Her love of photography blessed many friends and family members, and she spent countless hours working alongside her husband, taking and editing photos to the benefit of all.

Of all the roles Kathie filled in her life, none was more precious to her than being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved babies and seemed happiest with a child in her arms, quietly comforting and caring. There was no role she embraced more fully and no devotion greater than the love she gave her family. “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” Proverbs 31:28

Our family would like to extend deep appreciation to the Oak City 1st Ward, her friends and neighbors, and everyone who provided care for our sweet mom during her final months.

Kathie is survived by her husband: Robert “Bob”; son: Bob (Angel) Wilson; daughters: Lele (Tyler) Lybbert and Barbara (Rust) Finlinson; son: James (Haley) Wilson; 40 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; brothers: Jim Palmer, Jeff Palmer, Terry Schneider, Steven MacLee, and Stewart MacLee; and sister: Judy Martinez. She was preceded in death by her son: Rusty; daughter: Karen; her parents, and three brothers.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 10, at 10:30 a.m., at the Oak City LDS Chapel. Viewings will be held at the Oak City Church on Friday evening, 6:00-8:00 p.m.; and again Saturday, 9:00-10:10 a.m., prior to the service. Those unable to attend in person may view the recorded video of the service. The link will be posted with her obituary at www.nicklemortuary.com following the conclusion of the service. Interment will take place at Valley View Memorial Park, located at 4335 West 4100 South, West Valley City, Utah at 2:30 p.m.