Annie Kathleen Whitehead April 17, 1930 - February 3, 2026

Annie Kathleen was born April 17, 1930 in Spanish Fork, Utah. She was the daughter of James and Rebecca Amelia Pace Nielsen. Spanish Fork was her home for her entire life. She was the youngest of 16 children. She passed away comfortably in her sleep, on February 3, 2026, of natural causes, at 95 years of age.

Kathleen graduated from Spanish Fork High School 1948. She was married on September 14, 1948 to LeRoy Whitehead Jr. They were married in the Salt Lake City Temple by Joseph Fielding Smith. Kathleen and LeRoy are parents of 6 children. Jeffrey, Shauna, Kyle, Kaleah, Joel and Scott.

Kathleen’s name Annie was after the midwife that delivered her. Annie Poulson had delivered all the children for Grandpa and Grandma Nielsen. She shared that fact with all that asked about her first name. The grandchildren all call her Grandma Kate.

She was a mother that served not only her husband but children as well. She was totally dedicated to school activities, theatre productions and ball games. She continued the dedication with her grandchildren.

Throughout her life, Kathleen demonstrated compassion, resilience and a deep commitment to the people she loved. She cherished time spent with family and friends and created lasting memories that will be treasured to generations. Her laughter, wisdom and steady encouragement will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered.

Kathleen brought smiles to faces her entire life. She was a gifted actress and beautiful singer. She and her sisters would go to events like church socials, family reunions and perform for them. They called it the “Hat show”. They would change from one hat to another and sing a song that goes along with the hat. The entire audience were in stitches by the end of the night.

Kathleen was an excellent cook. She always had a fabulous Sunday dinner and would invite guests and family members to eat with us. She created some of the best meals and desserts and always made everyone feel welcome and loved. She would win us over with her home-made rolls and bread. It was always a favorite at the dinner table.

Our family would celebrate every holiday, birthday and special occasion. We traveled together and always had a great time camping, fishing and traveling to see the sights.

The Nielsens were a very tight family. They created a Nielsen block made up of brothers and sisters. Our family had the luxury of someone to play with and celebrate with. We had 3 back yards that were attached and provided a beautiful party and play area for special occasions and holiday celebrations.

Kathleen is preceded in death by her husband, LeRoy Whitehead Jr, her parents, James and Rebecca Nielsen, her 6 brothers (spouses) – James and Thomas, Lynwood Ray (Maud), Lars Lavar (Isabell), Mark Franklin (Edith), and J Ross (Mary Jane), and 9 sisters – Rebecca Fay Page (Duke), Jessie Lucile Jones (Jay Paul), Mary Louise Johnson (Bill), Norma Broadbent (Marden), Jane Sophie Strong (James),Florence Ruth Creer (Joseph), Lois Ottesen (Sharrel), Lola Stone (Thane), and Afton Caroline Cole (Stan), and a daughter-in-law, Julie Whitehead (Kyle).

She is survived by her children (spouses): Jeffrey (Valerie), Shauna Gardner (Michael), Kaleah Julian (Allen), Kyle (Angie), Joel (CeAnn), Scott (Desiree), as well as 26 grandchildren, 79 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandson.

Services for Kathleen will be February 12 th and 13 th . A viewing Thursday at Walker Mortuary, from 6 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Friday at 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. prior to the 11:00 a.m. funeral service to be held at the Palmyra Stake Center at 505 East 900 North, Spanish Fork, Utah. Interment will be at the Spanish Fork Cemetery.

A special ‘Thank You’ to Dr. Janie Earl and to the nurses, Becca and Heather, from Atlas Home Healthcare and Hospice, for the kind and loving care provided to our mother, and to us.