Kathleen Faye Atkin

Kathleen Faye Atkin, 68, returned to her Heavenly Father on Sunday, February 8th 2026, due to complications of liver failure.  She was surrounded by so much love from family and friends during her last week.  At the time of her passing, her daughter, Lauren, remained by her side to make sure she got to Heaven safe and sound.

Born on June 4, 1957, in Ogden, Utah to L. Faye Wessler and Ronald G. Wessler.   Kathleen grew up with a warm spirit and a kind heart that touched everyone she met.  Those are qualities that she would carry with her throughout her life, even until her passing.  At a young age she lived with her mother, Faye, brother, Scott, and her grandparents Jesse and Beatrice Yarrington.  So many wonderful stories came from those years of her life.  Trips to Yellowstone, camping at South Fork and Red Fish Lake just to name a few. Some of these trips would include beloved uncles, aunts and many wonderful cousins who she loved dearly.  She graduated from Bonneville High School in 1975.  She continued her education at Utah State University and Weber State University.

In 1977 she would start her career path of working in the Insurance industry.  She was first hired on with Ford Finance and Insurance which would later be purchased by Gaskill & Associates.

Kathleen was married in 1978 and later divorced, but through her marriage she gave birth to her only child, Lauren. To say she excelled at motherhood is an understatement.

In 1986 an opportunity with Gaskill & Associates would move Kathleen and Lauren to Salt Lake City.  Although she made Salt Lake their home, Kathleen always had Ogden close to her heart, and would always consider it to be her real home. After 14 years of service she would leave Gaskill to pursue other working avenues.

Kathleen would join Sorensen Insurance Agency in April of 1992.  She proudly worked for Howard Sorensen and then later Peter Sorensen for over 30 years, until she retired in June of 2022.  What wonderful forever friends she met during her 30 years of service.  To call them co-workers isn’t enough.  They truly became family to our family.  Their endless support and care for Kathleen, especially in her final week, was a true testament of what she meant to them.

Shortly after moving to Millcreek Kathleen was reintroduced toThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and became an active member of the Winder 11th Ward in the Winder West Stake. She had an unwavering testimony of the gospel. Throughout her life in the church, Kathleen served faithfully in many callings, including Relief Society President, Young Women’s Counselor, Nursery Leader, Stake Camp Counselor, and one of her most cherished roles, Cub Scout Leader.  Her dedication and love for those she served was felt deeply by everyone in her congregation. As her health declined she was unable to attend church regularly but she still respected and honored the values of the church and love for the members of her ward.

Kathleen had many hobbies, some of which included: reading, cooking/ baking (even though she was hard on herself) she loved going to the temple, genealogy, being creative, watching her recorded TV as she would say, and above all else giving service to those in need.

Perhaps her greatest calling was that of a mother.  She was kind, patient, fun, the prime example of service and compassion, sometimes entirely too inquisitive at times, and thoughtful. These are just a few of the best ways to describe Kathleen as a mother. She managed to balance work, church, and being a single parent who always clapped the loudest at performances, showed support in all activities, and always listened without judgement. How lucky everyone would be to have as great of a mom as Lauren did.

As wonderful a mother as Kathleen was, her true joy was that of her grandma title “GG Leen”.  Her grandkids were the light of her life and what kept her going for so many years. From sleepovers, trips to the library, gingerbread houses, DisneyLand, watching countless hours of Youtube and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. She enjoyed every minute with her grands, and couldn’t wait till she got to see them again.

Kathleen is survived by her daughter Lauren, her favorite son (in-law) Jason Coates, her beloved grandchildren, Addison, Cooper, and Emersyn Coates. Her loving brother Scott and his wife Loraine Wessler.  Nephew, Geoffrey and Crystal Raymond, and Niece, Noelle and Mitchell Manning. Many great nieces and nephews as well.  Kathleen is also survived by her father Ronald G Wessler, and many cousins who love her dearly.

She is preceded in death by her mother L. Faye Wessler, and special uncle Lyle Yarrington. Along with Grandparents and many cherished Uncles, Aunts and Cousins.

A Memorial service to celebrate Kathleen’s life will be at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 S 900 E Millcreek, Utah 84106 on Saturday, March 7th at 11:00 a.m. Guests are encouraged to park and enter on the north side of the building. Family and friends are invited to gather and honor a woman whose kindness, faith, and light touched countless lives. Her final resting place will be next to her mother in the Ogden City Cemetery at a later date.

Her family would like to thank the following for all of their time and tender loving care; Dr. James Peterson and staff at Foothill Family Clinic, Dr. Robert Kwun at Retina Associates, Dr. Joseph Redman at Intermountain Transplant Clinic, and the loving staff of First Choice Home and Hospice.

We should all strive to live as Kathleen did and leave a little sunshine wherever you go.