Katie Marie Lessert (Carter) July 1, 1974 - March 23, 2026

Katie Marie Lessert (Carter), age 51, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2026, in Spanish Fork, Utah, surrounded by her loving husband and children after a courageous battle with cancer.

Katie was born on July 1, 1974, in Nephi, Utah, to Karl and Helen Carter (Stevenson). She graduated from Cedar City High School and later became a licensed beautician through Evans Hairstyling College. She owned a salon, Nautical Hair Salon, in Nephi, Utah. After that, she devoted her time to being a stay-at-home mother to her three children, a role she cherished deeply. Katie later ran a state-licensed daycare out of her home for 7 years. She had a special gift for connecting with children and brought joy, creativity, and care into their lives. Through her daycare, she not only helped shape the lives of many children but also formed lasting friendships with the families that continue to this day.

Katie had an unstoppable entrepreneurial spirit and a deep love for animals. She bred dogs for a time. Gaining her beloved two-and-a-half-pound Yorkie named Kissy, who sat by her side for 14 years. In recent years, Katie and her husband bred Maine Coon kittens; she took great pride in sharing these beautiful animals with families and bringing joy into their homes. Another one of her successful ventures was selling decorative longhorn steer and bison skulls. She spent countless hours designing, hand beading, and creating these works of art- some of which were purchased by famous individuals.

Katie had a real talent for decorating and crafting. She especially loved decorating for the holidays, with much of the decor being handmade. She went above and beyond to have the best Halloween yard for her daycare kids and grandkids. She also decorated the most extravagant Christmas trees. Katie had a way of making each holiday magical. Her creativity turned ordinary moments into something truly unforgettable.

Katie is survived by her father; her five siblings; her devoted husband, Mike; and her beautiful children: Burgundy and Austin Hanks, Cambree Woodard, Braxton and Olivia Woodard, and Cameron and Owen Lessert. Her grandchildren—August, Boston, River Hanks, Baylor, and Blakely Woodard—whose laughter and love brought her immeasurable joy and happiness.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 11, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM (a time chosen in honor of her love of sunsets) at the Salem Community Center, 151 W 300 S, Salem, Utah 84653.