Kathie Lee Johnson Dalton

Kathie Lee Johnson Dalton

LAYTON - Kathie Lee Johnson Dalton, 67, passed away peacefully Monday, October 11, 2010 at her home. The first daughter of Thomas M. Johnson and Neva Watkins was born at the Anacortes Naval Station, Washington State during WWII.

Kathie grew up in southern California and graduated from Fullerton Union High School and Fullerton Junior College. She then transferred to BYU where she graduated in 1966 with a degree in Music Education in Viola/Voice.

Kathie married Donald M. Dalton on September 5, 1964 in Los Angeles California Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) before she and he graduated from BYU. Upon graduation they entered active duty with the United States Air Force (USAF) carrying on a tradition from their fathers who were both pilots (Navy and Air Corp) and served with distinction during WWII.

Kathie loved music, acting, children, church and her family. She loved life and lived everyday to the fullest. She was always overflowing with love for anyone she met and engaged them in conversation. She could speak with the best and listened to everyone. She loved all family and Grandchildren that will miss her. She tried to attend every activity and performances.

She auditioned for the Tabernacle Choir. She sang with the Oratorio Choir of Salt Lake City for many years performing pieces like the Messiah. She taught children how to love music and spent her time helping out whenever she could. Many trips to music competitions were adventures to be remembered. She was a docent for the Utah Symphony for many years and enjoyed every minute. She sang with the SKYLARKS, a military wives singing group, at Whiteman AFB, Which she sometimes directed.

Her love of acting started early and continued until she could no longer be on the stage. She was in many plays in supporting roles in both Clearfield and Layton. She also auditioned for the Far-East USO while at Clark AFB Philippines. She chose family over fame.

She worked for Lagoon for many years selling tickets and as the witch in Frightmares.

She taught in the public schools in California, Department of Defense Schools, and Davis County Schools for over 20 years before transferring to Sylvan Learning where she taught for another 14 or so years. While teaching she went to school herself and graduated with a Master of Education and several endorsements (geography, gifted and talented and administrative) from Weber State University. Each child was precious to her.

She dedicated her life to children of all kinds. She still believes in children. She had one desire that all her children come together to live and be kind.

Her joy in seeing children reach the highest of their potential was the main reason she ran for and was elected to the Davis County School Board. Any child that knew her never forgot her. Even recently, while shopping, her students, now grown with families of their own come up to her and thank her for having confidence in them that caused them to succeed. When asked "I bet you don''t remember me," she responds with their name and year in school. This extends to some who were not in her classroom but were brothers or sisters of her students. She knew the entire family and could tell stories of them all. She would fight for and win for all students.

Kathie served as a helper, guide, and all around cheering squad for those participating in the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.

Kathie was an outstanding scout leader. She believed in training and was trained at Wood Badge Trained in Cub Scouting. She trained other leaders as a council instructor for POW WOW she was a Silver Beaver. She was actively raising funds for scouts. She was a charter representative and commissioner. She believed that trained boys had a core character to becoming good men. She put this to practice while helping her four sons become Eagle Scouts.

Kathie remained active in the LDS Church to the end. She served in numerous callings, some all at the same time. She served as Sacrament Chorister, Choir director, and music committee chairman, Primary President and Teacher, Relief Society and in scouting, visiting teaching, Stake Missionary and others. Being a Stake Missionary wasn''t her first effort in this vital part of God''s plan. There were several others before and after that accepted the Gospel of Jesus Christ because she was not afraid to share with them.

She loved all her family, children, and grandchildren. They miss her smile and warmth even now. She tried to attend every activity and performance of her children and grandchildren. Her joy was in seeing them grow, flourish, and progress. She treated each child as if they were her own. She adored and was cherished by her husband, children, and grandchildren. Stay true to the faith. Pray often. Live, Love, Laugh! Have Fun.

When the Vietnam War wound down, there were many refugees that needed to be taken care of. They needed shelter, food, and most of all love. She provided this to children. One story she likes to tell is of a child refugee who did not know that food was provided every 6 hours. So he would fill his cheeks and pockets and any containers with for later. For thirty years she and her husband stood together to defend and protect the United States from all enemies foreign and domestic. Upon his retirement she was honored for her service with a special recognition certificate. As her own children came she took them under her wing as a mother duck.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Neva Johnson and father in law Donald A. Dalton, and grandson Rodger Owen Dalton.

She is survived by Her Husband Donald and children Robert, Tony, Sheila, James, Richard, grandchildren Alaina, Benjamin, Stephanie, Michael, Thomas, Samantha, And Her Brothers Tom, Todd, Jeff and Steve and Sisters Lori, Linda, Christie.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 16, 2010 at 2 p.m. at Layton Stake Center, 60 W. Gordon Ave Layton, Utah. Friends may visit family on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist''s Layton Mortuary, 1867 North Fairfield Road and Saturday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the church.

Interment, Lindquist Memorial Park at Layton, 1867 North Fairfield Road.

Honor Guard by Trapper Trails Silver Beavers.

Special thanks to care of Nurse Mindy and Vista Care.