Kathleen Nicholes Deneris

Kathleen Nicholes Deneris lived a life rich in curiosity, creativity, learning, and love. Born on May 18, 1931, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Farrell James Nicholes and Virginia Noble Gentry, Kathleen embraced life with enthusiasm and purpose until her passing on June 6, 2026, at the age of 95.

A lifelong learner and educator, Kathleen earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design from the University of Utah. She went on to found The Salt Lake School of Interior Design in 1973, where she served as both owner and instructor for many years. Through her dedication and vision, she inspired a generation of students, many of whom went on to successful creative careers of their own.

Kathleen possessed an extraordinary intellect and an endless thirst for knowledge. She was a passionate reader, researcher, traveler, and lecturer whose interests spanned ancient history, mythology, architecture, and the arts. Whether standing before a classroom, leading a lecture, or sharing a conversation over dinner, she delighted in helping others see the world through a wider lens. Her enthusiasm for learning was contagious, and she encouraged those around her to remain curious throughout their lives.

Her creative spirit extended beyond design and education. Kathleen was a founding member of the Utah Surface Design Group and devoted countless hours to teaching workshops, presenting lectures, and mentoring fellow artists. Her fiber and textile work earned numerous awards, and several of her creations were published. She found great joy in both creating beauty and helping others discover their own artistic talents.

Those who knew Kathleen will remember her elegance, intelligence, wit, and generosity. She had a radiant smile, a warm heart, and a wonderfully self-deprecating sense of humor that could put anyone at ease. She loved lively conversations, especially about politics, often shared over a glass of wine with family, friends, and even new acquaintances. She was a child of the Depression who lost her father at the age of four, before the passage of Social Security. Through this and other life events, she developed a deep sense of independence and social justice. A proud lifelong Democrat, she cared deeply about her community and the world around her. She also never passed up a good murder mystery!

In 1951, Kathleen married the love of her life, George Deneris. Together they built a family that became the center of her heart. She is survived by her children, Angela Deneris, Kimberly Deneris Brown (Jim Brown), and George A. Deneris; her grandchildren, Kathleen Brown (Adam Drover), Alexandra Immitt (Tessa Brunson), Samuel Brown, Olivia Immitt, Maxcen Deneris, Miles Deneris, and Anthea Deneris; and her beloved great-grandson, Nicolai Maxwell. She showered her family with unconditional love, encouragement, and support through every season of their lives.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her husband, George Deneris; her sister, Grail Stevenson; and her brother, Farrell James Nicholes.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 11:00 am at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 279 South 300 West, Salt Lake City. She will be laid to rest following the service at Midvale City Cemetery, 471 6th Avenue, Midvale.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church https://abundant.co/gocslc/give

or the Utah Democratic Party https://www.utcountydems.com/

Kathleen leaves behind a legacy of knowledge, creativity, generosity, and love. Her influence can be found not only in the lives of her family and friends, but also in the countless students, artists, and thinkers she inspired throughout her remarkable life.

May her memory be eternal