Nancy Catherine Williams Kettle's Obituary
Nancy Catherine Williams Kettle was born August 11, 1941 to John Thomas William II and Marjorie Allred in Salt Lake City, Utah. She passed away with a firm testimony of Jesus Christ and His restored gospel.
Nancy grew up as the big sister to her 7 siblings: Sherman, Tom, Sally, Ann (her "twin", born on the same day 9 years later), Tim, Eric, and Ben. She was surrounded by her mother's and father's families and she dearly loved her grandparents. Her father was in the Tabernacle Choir and she enjoyed attending practices with him. She frequently shared her fond memories of living across the street from the Salt Lake City cemetery where she spent many hours playing.
After graduating from South High School, she worked at Primary Children's Hospital for a dietician and was well loved at her job. She met her husband on a blind date that was set up by her best friend. Don and Nancy were married for time and all eternity on May 29, 1964 in the Salt Lake City Temple. Don was the love of her life and she greatly missed him after his passing.
Don and Nancy had five children. Her family was her entire world. As her sister said, she was always trying to make sure her children were happy and loved. Nancy was a talented seamstress, making clothes for herself, her children, and grandchildren. She made dolls, doll clothes, blessing dresses, veils, nightgowns, and costumes with intricate details. In the last years of her life she loomed hats for the children who came trick or treating. Her hats can be found all over the world as she donated hundreds of hats to Lifting Hands International.
There was so much that made up Nancy. She attended many operas, had an impeccable vocabulary, and listened to Classical 89. One of her favorite places to travel was Yellowstone National Park. She loved staying at Mac's Inn and went many times with family throughout her life. Some of her pleasures later in life were watching crime and cooking shows on tv, reading biographical books, and shopping at thrift stores. Nancy could talk to anyone and considered many people her good friends. She hosted dinners at her home for her family and poured an abundance of love into those meals. Once a year she would use her wedding china and set up a beautiful table for her ward's Christmas dinner party. She was a talented singer and oh how she loved to sing, especially in church. Listening to exceptional music always brought tears to her eyes.
Her relationship with her Savior was deep and personal. Don and Nancy enjoyed taking institute classes together. Her favorite teacher was Joseph McConkie, the son of Bruce R McConkie. She served as a Primary president, librarian, nursery leader, chorister, and preparedness coordinator. When she was in primary, Nancy spent many hours making and collecting music items for singing time.
Nancy passed away at her daughter's home on January 3, 2023 due to natural causes. We are so grateful her suffering is over and we can only imagine how happy she must be to be reunited with her husband and daughter. Nancy is surely singing out in her beautiful voice with the angels.
The family is grateful to Nancy's daughter, Stephanie, and her family for providing excellent care in the last couple years of her life.
She is survived by her children Melinda (Mark) Hicken, Stephanie Tanner, Marvin (Amy) Kettle, and Renee (Bob) Shira. Her siblings, Sally (Kirk) Allen, Ann (Scott) Crawford, Tim Williams, Ben (Karen) Williams, sisters-in-law Vona Williams and Cindy Williams, 15 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband Don B Kettle, daughter Catherine Kettle Shira, parents John Thomas Williams II and Marjorie Allred, brothers Sherman, John (Tom) and Eric Williams, and nephews Aaron and Tim Williams.
There will be a viewing on Friday, January 6th from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the LDS Chapel on 7500 South 700 East, Midvale Utah on Saturday, January 7th from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
The funeral will be broadcasted for those who cannot attend in person.
What’s your fondest memory of Nancy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Nancy?
Share a story where Nancy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Nancy you’ll never forget.
How did Nancy make you smile?