Katherine “Tinka” Story Hodkin

Katherine “Tinka” Story Hodkin, beloved educator, wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2026, at the age of 85.

A lifelong Utahn, Katherine was born on March 14, 1941 to William MacArthur Story and Catherine Nutter Story in Salt Lake City. A graduate of Judge Memorial Catholic High School, Katherine also spent significant periods of her childhood at the family ranch in Nine Mile Canyon.

A steadfast and loving mother of one, Katherine poured her heart and soul into her son, William “Bill” Hodkin. She took great care to show Bill the beauty of Utah and vast expanses of the country through summer road trips. She was blessed to meet her husband, Michael “Mike” Hodkin, in 1975. Their lives intertwined beautifully, and they were happily married for the remainder of Katherine’s life. Katherine loved being Mike’s date to the Christmas Nutcracker Ballet and dinners at the Dodo.

Committed to stewarding knowledge for future generations, Katherine received her Bachelor of the Arts from the University of Utah and a master’s degree in Library Science from Brigham Young University. She faithfully served as library media coordinator at the Wasatch Elementary School for more than 30 years. She took great pride in her role and was met with enthusiasm and adoration from her students.

A lifelong learner, Katherine sought knowledge anywhere and everywhere. After her retirement, she frequently enjoyed theater performances, documentaries, and the Wasatch Speaker Series. An active member of the Junior League and Martin de Porres Catholic Church, Katherine cared deeply for her community and her faith. She cultivated friendships and showered those around her with love — including always indulging in family shopping trips when grandkids came to visit.

Katherine’s family’s rich, long history in Utah sparked a passion for genealogy that Katherine nourished throughout her life. All extended family looked to “Tinka” as the trusted authority on family history matters. Her genealogical investigations, dating back to distant royal lines from the 13th century, are preserved in books that will continue to be hallmarks of family gatherings.

Katherine leaves behind her loving husband, Mike; son Bill; grandchildren Zachary “Zeke” and Victoria “Tori”; nieces Kelly Anne Lane (Marty) and Christina Oliekan (Jason), and nephew Paul Anderson (Ann); and many beloved extended family members. She joins in heaven her parents and sister, Virginia “Gege” Story Anderson, her dear friend Mary Soter Simos, along with Katherine’s late first-husband, Ross.

The family sends our sincere gratitude to Katherine’s doctors and nurses, the staff at Twin Oaks Assisted Living, and Jill Jackson, Rose, Mau, Liz, Vai, Live, Olivia and Latu for their diligent, heartfelt care.

A celebration of life will be on, Tuesday, September 1st, 2026 from 6-8 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East.  Guests are encouraged to use the parking and entrance on the north side of the building. A celebration of Mass the next day on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026 at 11 Am at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, 4914 S 2200 W, Taylorsville, UT 84129. Interment to follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1342 E 500 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84102. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Catholic Community Services or Utah Community Food Bank.