Kathleen "Kathy" Rees

Bicknell, Utah - On Thursday, October 16, 2025, our beloved mother - Kathleen “Kathy” Rees - passed from this earthly life, welcomed home by friends and family who went before. She was born February 22, 1949 to Kenneth and Loyia Rees. She was the second of six children, with three sisters and two brothers. She had a wonderful childhood making lifelong friends including her dear girlfriends “The Fizzies”. Her best friends, however, have always been her three sisters: Lynell, Deann, and Connie. She also forged close bonds with cousins in early years that extended throughout her life. She attended and graduated from Wayne High School.

Mom was a fiercely independent woman who lived life on her own terms. She possessed a sharp mind and an incredible memory for numbers, details, and people. During her career as a dedicated Physician’s Assistant, she was admired for her intelligence, skill, and compassion.

Beyond her work, Mom found joy in the things she loved most - a good book, a delicious meal, and the company of family. She was an avid reader, a lover of food (Hershey kisses #1), and an exceptional cook whose kitchen was filled with warmth and laughter. Mom also had an affinity for fun and flashy jewelry, with almost enough jewelry sets to wear something different every day of the year!

Active in her local chapter of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, she took pride in her heritage and community. Her life reflected her strong conservative values, her faith, and her belief in hard work and perseverance.

Though the later years were limited by poor health and the constant presence of bulky oxygen tanks and tangled tubing, Mom faced each day with quiet strength and determination. Her will was unshakable, her heart full of love, and her presence deeply felt by all who knew her.

Mom is survived by her siblings: Gaylen (Nancy) Rees, Deann Frazier, Lynell Rees, McKay Rees, and Connie Rees. Her children: Kristi (Jeffery) Pikyavit, Darrin (Leslie) Morrell, Rick (Michele) Morrell, Ken (Angie) Blackburn and Trena (Chris) Mertlich, twenty-one grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents Kenneth and Loyia Rees and her second husband, Ronald “Ronnie” Blackburn.

Mom will be remembered for her independence, her intelligence, her humor, and her unwavering devotion to family. Her example lives on - a lasting reminder of strength, love, and faith.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at the Thurber LDS Ward Chapel, 190 N 200 E in Bicknell. Viewings will be held from 6:00-8:00 P.M. on Friday, October 24, 2025 at the Springer Turner Funeral Home Chapel in Richfield, and from 11:00-12:30 P.M. the morning of the services at the Thurber LDS Ward Chapel.

Burial will be in the Bicknell Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Homes of Richfield and Salina, Utah.